The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken its sensitisation to markets in Abuja council areas to curb unfair practices among traders.

The area councils where the sensitisation took place include Kwali, Abaji, Kuje, and Gwagwalada markets.

Speaking at the exercise in Kwali on Tuesday, Tunji Bello, the executive vice chairman of FCCPC, said the engagement was part of the commission’s drive to directly connect with those who made the markets work.

Mr Bello was represented by Bridget Etim, the principal consumer and business education officer of the commission.

He said the commission was at the markets to educate and also collaborate as the real protection came from mutual understanding, shared responsibility, and deliberate actions.

Mr Bello said the commission was investigating and taking action against unfair practices, including the re-bagging and mislabelling of food items.

”This occurs when old, expired, substandard, or unsafe goods are repackaged and falsely presented as fresh, genuine, or popular brands.

”This practice constitutes fraud and is widespread in the sale of staples like rice and other fast-moving consumer goods.

”Another concern is the practice of price fixing by market associations, and the commission is also addressing the issue of inaccurate measurements and weights,” he said.

Mr Bello urged the traders to report to the commission if they noticed activities of “bad eggs” traders among them.

”The commission will treat such reports with utmost confidentiality,” he said.

The vice chairman said transparent markets help businesses grow, fair prices benefit consumers, and responsible trade helps to build stronger communities.

Sani Ibrahim, the chairman of the Market Association, Kwali Area Council, commended the commission for the engagement before action.

Mr Ibrahim called for more government engagement to enable traders in the market to know what to do and what not to do.

”We need government backing; the government should be engaging with us, guiding us, showing us the way, and helping us to grow,” he said.

The commission had plans to take the market sensitisation to all states.

(NAN)