The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed five textile warehouses in Kano State for allegedly cheating customers by selling fabrics shorter than the length stated on the packaging.
According to the commission, the affected distributors were selling under-length and underweight materials to buyers but still charging full price, in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
In a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu obtained by The News Chronicle, the FCCPC explained that the action followed weeks of surveillance in major markets across Kano. Investigators discovered that many retailers were delivering much less fabric than advertised, deceiving customers.
The enforcement operation, led by the FCCPC Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, took place at warehouses in Gandun Abada Layout, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Bua Rice Mills Street, Ajasa Inuwa Wada Road, and Gandun Albasa New Layout.
Brands reportedly involved in the malpractice include LGR, U&Me, Nana Tex, V Levintus, Mama Africa, Hightex, UE, S-U Velt, and Jisiki.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, condemned the practice, calling it harmful to consumers and unfair to honest businesses.
He warned that such actions could push genuine traders out of the market and reduce consumer choices.
Bello stressed that the commission will not tolerate unethical business behavior and will continue to take strong actions to protect consumers nationwide.
He also praised FCCPC enforcement officers and thanked security agencies for supporting the operation.
