The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a direct warning to traders in Lagos against enforcing the illegal 'no return, no refund' policy. Dr Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southwest Zone, delivered this message during the inauguration of new executives for the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) on Wednesday in Lagos. This move signals a regulatory crackdown on a common but unlawful practice in Nigerian markets.
Otti stated that the commission was present in the market to educate traders on their obligations to consumers and the consequences of violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. She added that the commission was simultaneously raising awareness among consumers about their rights and responsibilities. This dual approach aims to create a fairer marketplace by informing both buyers and sellers of the legal framework governing transactions.
Specifically citing the widespread 'no return, no refund' policy, Otti emphasised that it is prohibited under Nigerian law. She explained the commission's process, noting that when consumers lodge complaints, the FCCPC invites businesses for mediation. The goal of this mediation is to ensure appropriate remedies, such as refund, replacement, or exchange, are granted to the aggrieved consumer.
The FCCPC possesses significant enforcement powers to back its warnings. Otti added that where businesses refuse to comply with mediation outcomes, the law empowers the commission to impose fines, withdraw products from the market, or seize goods. This underscores the serious legal and financial risks traders face if they continue to deny consumers their statutory rights after a defective purchase.
In other national news, President Bola Tinubu has approved the renewal of Professor Ayo Omotayo's appointment as Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. The appointment is for a final term of four years, following Omotayo's initial appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari in November 2021 and subsequent Senate confirmation in February 2022.
Separately, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has dismissed reports that he is planning to resign from the Federal Executive Council to pursue a governorship bid in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general election. Alausa, in a post on X on Wednesday, stated he remains fully in office and continues to carry out his responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Education. This clarification seeks to quell political speculation and affirm stability within the federal cabinet.
On the security front, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) says it is strategically repositioned to align with the proposed Lagos State Police framework once enacted. This indicates preparatory moves at the state level for potential changes in the security architecture, aiming for closer coordination between local safety corps and formal police structures to enhance public security in Nigeria's commercial capital.
In international sports, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka sealed a 1-0 win against Brighton. The 24-year-old celebrated becoming the fourth youngest player to reach 300 games for the club. Although Mikel Arteta's side were underwhelming for long periods, their work ethic and defensive efficiency allowed them to open up a seven-point lead over second-placed Manchester City in the English Premier League title race.
The destiny of the title is now firmly in Arsenal's hands after City's surprise 2-2 draw against lowly Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. However, City retain a game in hand on Arsenal and are scheduled to host the league leaders in April, setting the stage for a potentially decisive clash. This development has significant implications for the championship race, with Arsenal seeking to maintain their advantage in the coming weeks.
