The Lagos Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has resolved more than 15,000 consumer complaints received through its online and offline channels.

The Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Lagos Office, Dr Olubunmi Otti, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the Commission’s office in Ikeja, Lagos.

Otti said the complaints were received either through the Commission’s online platform or directly from consumers who visited the Lagos Corporate Office.

She explained that consumers have the right to seek redress whenever products or services purchased fail to meet their expectations.

According to her, consumers are expected to first engage the service provider or seller to resolve the issue before approaching the FCCPC if they are dissatisfied with the response or outcome.

She said consumers seeking the Commission’s intervention could submit their complaints through the FCCPC complaints portal at https://complaints.fccpc.gov.ng or visit its office at 17, Oremeta Street, Opebi Link Bridge Road, off Oregun Road, Ikeja.

Otti stressed that complaints must contain sufficient details to enable the Commission to investigate and resolve the matter.

She said consumers should provide the address and location of the service provider, receipt of purchase where applicable, the amount of money involved and the specific redress being sought.

The Zonal Coordinator said that of the 17,000 complaints received through the online portal and directly at the zonal office, more than 15,000 had been resolved, primarily to protect the interests and welfare of consumers.

She explained that the Commission’s mandate derives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which empowers it to promote fair business practices and safeguard the interests of consumers.

The FCCPC is also mandated to prevent practices capable of resulting in the abuse of market dominance or monopolies and to investigate anti-competitive practices.

Such practices, according to the Commission, include price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation and abuse of dominant market positions.

Otti encouraged consumers who experience violations of their rights to come forward and lodge complaints through the Commission’s channels.

She said complaints could cover issues including return and refund disputes, product labelling, pricing, hidden prices, the sale of substandard products, product tagging and improper labelling.

She also emphasised that product labelling must be done in English.

Consumers can submit complaints through the FCCPC’s complaints portal, while those seeking assistance can also contact the Commission on 08147170738.

Otti said the Commission resolves consumer complaints through various mechanisms, including direct engagement, negotiation, mediation, conciliation and administrative hearings, among others.

She urged consumers who are dissatisfied with products or services provided to them to approach the FCCPC for redress.

“The satisfaction and safety of Nigerian consumers are paramount to the Commission and nothing more,” Otti affirmed.