Businesses in Ondo State that cheat customers, sell unsafe products or provide deceptive services may have their premises sealed and face prosecution, the state consumer protection agency has warned.
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) said on Wednesday that it would act against businesses and service providers found violating consumer protection laws.
The agency said its checks would cover products, measurements, packaging and services offered to members of the public across the state.
Its Executive Chairman, Oluyemi Fasipe, said the agency would not give special treatment to businesses because of their size, connections or influence.
Agency lists practices under scrutiny
The agency identified fake, adulterated, expired, substandard and counterfeit products among the practices it intends to tackle.
It also listed unsafe food and drinks, sachet and bottled water produced without required safety standards, and alcoholic or herbal alcoholic drinks made or sold without the required approvals and licences.
Fasipe also singled out businesses that tamper with petrol pumps or other dispensing equipment so customers receive less than they paid for.
READ RELATED NEWS
Oyedele links faster business dispute resolution to stronger investor confidence
Fake goods flood markets as regulators face fresh scrutiny
Fake products: Nigeria cannot afford to ‘move on’ again
Ondo adds N245bn to 2026 budget after mid-year spending review
The agency said hotels, lounges, restaurants, supermarkets, filling stations, factories, warehouses and distilleries could face action where violations are established.
Its work will also cover service providers whose activities affect consumers directly. These include artisans, technical service providers, electricity distribution companies and telecommunications companies.
Consumers, the agency said, are entitled to the services they pay for, correct information, fair treatment and appropriate redress when things go wrong.
The agency said it would focus on practices such as changing measurements, altering dispensing systems, giving false product information and using deceptive packaging.
Businesses that provide substandard services will also be subject to its checks.
Fasipe said the agency was not against legitimate businesses.
“We are coming after the practice, not legitimate businesses,” he said.
He said the agency would take action where a violation was established and apply the law to the affected business or individual.
Such action could include sealing business premises, removing offending products from circulation and prosecution where a criminal offence was established.
Consumers urged to report violations
The agency said it was strengthening its monitoring, inspection, investigation and complaint-resolution activities across Ondo State.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected violations and provide evidence where available.
Fasipe said the government under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was prioritising consumer protection and the wellbeing of residents.
He said businesses should review their operations and comply with applicable laws and standards.
The agency also appealed to producers and sellers of water, food, beverages and alcoholic products to ensure their operations meet required standards.
The same instruction was given to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, filling stations, artisans and providers of electricity and telecommunications services.
Fasipe said the agency would work with responsible businesses to support a fair marketplace.
But he said businesses whose operations depend on cheating customers must change their practices.
“A consumer who spends ₦500 deserves the same protection as one who spends ₦5 million,” he said.
The agency said consumers should not have to risk their money, health or safety when buying goods or paying for services.
For More News Details, Visit New Daily Prime.
