The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has launched an investigation into complaints that some solar panels sold in the state fail to deliver the power output stated on their labels.
The council’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Jamilu Mustapha.
Garba-Muhammad said the council would thoroughly investigate the allegations and take appropriate legal action if it establishes that the claims are valid.
“We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter and take necessary action in line with relevant consumer protection laws if the allegations are substantiated,” he said.
“We remain committed to protecting consumers from deceptive trade practices and ensuring that products sold in the market meet approved quality standards.”
He commended the complainants for bringing the issue to the council’s attention and reaffirmed KCPC’s commitment to eliminating substandard products, promoting fair trade practices and holding businesses accountable.
In a petition submitted on behalf of the complainants, Malam Yusuf Sani accused some solar panel dealers of misleading buyers by labeling their products with power ratings that do not reflect their actual output.
According to Sani, tests revealed a significant gap between the advertised capacity of some solar panels and the electricity they generate.
He warned that the discrepancy could damage batteries used for energy storage and, in extreme cases, increase the risk of battery explosions.
Sani also alleged that many of the affected products entered the country without adequate quality assurance or compliance with the required standards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council announced on July 17 that it had seized substandard goods worth more than ₦300 million over the past three months as part of its consumer protection enforcement efforts.
source: NAN
