FCCPC Update on Operational Priorities and Measures on Consumer Protection during COVID-19 Pandemic
FCCPC UPDATE
FCCPC OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES AND MEASURES ON CONSUMER PROTECTION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Pursuant to Sections 70 -75; 107, 108, 116, 123 -127;
Wednesday, April 22, 2020: This is an update to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Release of February 28, 2020; and Update of March 24, 2020.
The Commission’s current operational priorities remain addressing key competition and consumer protection issues related to and arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. With respect to consumer protection, the Commission notes that the prevalent aggravation and complaints are failed electronic banking transactions and associated delays in restoration, reconciliation or resolution; slow speed/throttling of internet connectivity/speed as well arbitrary and inexplicable charges for data; restricted access or delayed signal release after payment for payTV services; continuing irrational and excessive increases in prices of certain medical devices (infrared thermometers), basic relevant hygiene products (Sanitizers, Facemasks) and certain medications (Chloroquine and Vitamin C); and food items; continuing insufficient supply of electricity and arbitrary billing.
Although some suppliers and retailers have demonstrated circumspection in compliance with the Commission’s release and update noted above, as well as enforcement efforts, some others have continued or taken advantage of the current restriction on movement to unfairly, increase prices in an unreasonable manner to manifestly unjust levels.
The Commission is already pursuing criminal charges against some flagrant or repeat violators, and is expanding investigation into other players and industries. The Commission restates its determination (including retrospectively after the pandemic) to hold violators to the appropriate weight of the law.
As such, and in furtherance of its special COVID-19 focus and response, the Commission has created a dedicated platform for the pandemic related complaints, more particularly the ones related to the prevalent issues identified above. Indeed, the Commission is operating with limited capacity to address the mirage of complaints and recognizes that many industry players are experiencing similar limitations, it still encourages producers and providers to prioritize compliance with consumer protection laws and responsiveness to their customers.
COVID-19 related complaints and or feedback regarding the issues identified above may be filed at the dedicated COVID-19 complaint portal: https://covid19.fccpc.gov.ng; 07086159973.
Consumers are implored to understand that because of the volume of complaints/feedback we are unable to provide individual responses or case progress all the time, however, we are aggregating the complaints and addressing them since they are similar.
Other COVID-19 related violations such as scams and misleading advertisement about vaccines, therapies or cures for COVID-19 should also be addressed to the dedicated portal and will be met with stiff penalties.
The Commission will continue to provide further guidance on its operations and how stakeholders can engage the Commission or conduct their business with the Commission during this period.
The Commission again advises consumers to avoid large gatherings, including markets/stores to make needless or non-essential purchases, and to practice the strongest discipline in staying at home and enforcing social distancing measures.
Babatune Irukera
Chief Executive Officer
