Abuja: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raided and sealed some shops at Utako market for selling re-bagged and underweight bags of rice. The operation was conducted following intelligence gathered by the Commission, revealing that traders were re-bagging local rice in foreign rice bags and selling them at exorbitant prices as imported rice.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the Director of the Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, stated that the raid aimed to confirm and validate the intelligence that local rice was being packaged as foreign brands to exploit consumer preferences. She emphasized that this practice is against consumer economic interests and described it as exploitative. Adeyinka also mentioned that the products would be confiscated, and the Commission would trace the producers and branders involved in this activity.
Adeyinka further explained that the market cartels were taking advantage of the demand for foreign brands, which are no longer available, by re-bagging local rice and selling it as foreign rice, despite the fact that brands like Mama Gold ceased their exports as far back as 2015. Traders found culpable would face administrative penalties and fines under the FCCP Act.
Consumers were warned to purchase foreign rice from importers or distributors to ensure product quality. Some traders, whose shops were sealed, claimed ignorance of the re-bagging activities. Mr. Emmanuel Nneji, a trader, mentioned that he was unaware of the discontinuation of certain rice brands and expressed willingness to comply with the Commission’s directives to return the products.
Another trader, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted to purchasing rebagged rice due to its high demand but sold it at a lower price compared to the genuine foreign brand. Mr. Alex Igwemma, the Secretary of the Utako Market Traders Association, criticized the unannounced visit by the Commission and urged traders to ensure they purchase quality products.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that at least five wholesale shops filled with bags of rice were sealed by the Commission, and the owners were invited to the FCCPC for further investigations.