From left: Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria(CAFON); Awofemi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations, Rite Foods; Dr. Tinuola Akinnubi, Deputy Director Focal Point for Alcohol Nationwide NAFDAC; Daniel Obi, Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria(BJAN), and Dr. Olubunmi Oti, Zonal Coordinator South West Office, FCCPC at the 2026 BJAN World Consumer Rights Day event at Rite Foods Factory in Ososa, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State yesterday.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, has emphasized the critical importance of product safety, transparency in production processes, and collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen consumer confidence in Nigeria’s marketplace.
Mr. Bello, who leads the FCCPC as its Chief Executive Officer, had prepared the keynote address for the 2026 celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, which was delivered on his behalf by Dr. Olubunmi Otti, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the Commission based in Lagos. The event was hosted at the Ososa production facility of Rite Foods Limited in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
The occasion brought together regulators, journalists, members of the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria, editors, senior correspondents, industry stakeholders, and consumer advocates to reflect on the pivotal role of consumer protection in fostering trust and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s markets.
A Global Day to Promote Consumer Protection
World Consumer Rights Day, observed globally every March 15, provides a platform for governments, regulators, and advocacy groups to reinforce consumer rights and promote market transparency.
In his address, the FCCPC Chief Executive Officer stressed that well-informed and adequately protected consumers are central to market stability and economic growth.
“When consumers are confident that the products they purchase meet established safety and quality standards, markets operate more effectively, and businesses are able to grow sustainably,” the address read.
The members of the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria during the World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, hosted at the Ososa production facility of Rite Foods Limited in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Bello emphasized that consumer trust is a cornerstone of economic development and sustainable business growth in Nigeria.
Bringing Consumer Protection to the Production Floor
Breaking from traditional commemorations typically held in conference halls, this year’s celebration took place inside a manufacturing facility. The FCCPC highlighted that observing production processes firsthand underscores the importance of quality assurance and regulatory compliance in protecting consumers.
“Being present at the production facility allows us to see where the journey of consumer products truly begins. Safety standards, quality controls, and compliance procedures are applied and monitored at this stage, ensuring that products reaching consumers are reliable and safe,” the address prepared by Bello stated.
The theme for 2026, “Safe Product, Confident Consumer,” reinforces the idea that consumer confidence is built on trust, which is grounded in products that meet strict safety and quality standards.
FCCPC’s Mandate Under Tunji Bello
As Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bello leads the FCCPC in enforcing the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which empowers the Commission to safeguard consumers from unsafe and exploitative practices while promoting fair competition.
Ensuring that goods and services in Nigeria meet acceptable safety and quality standards is a central component of the Commission’s mission.
Bello’s address highlighted that consumer protection cannot be achieved by regulators alone. Effective protection requires cooperation among manufacturers, distributors, journalists, and consumers themselves.
“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility, and when all stakeholders act with commitment and integrity, the marketplace becomes safer and more reliable,” he said in the prepared speech.
Businesses Must View Compliance as an Investment
Mr. Bello urged businesses to treat compliance with safety standards not merely as a legal requirement, but as a strategic investment in long-term brand credibility and consumer trust.
“Companies that maintain strong quality assurance processes, ensure responsible sourcing of raw materials, and implement rigorous product testing contribute to both consumer confidence and market stability,” his address noted.
Transparency Builds Public Trust
A highlight of the event was a guided tour of the Rite Foods production facility, where participants observed the steps involved in sourcing, processing, testing, and packaging consumer products.
Bello emphasized that such transparency strengthens public confidence.
“Consumers typically encounter products only at the point of purchase. Yet each product on the shelf results from a comprehensive process that includes sourcing, production control, hygiene management, quality assurance, and safety verification,” he said.
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He commended Rite Foods Limited for opening its facility to journalists and stakeholders, describing the move as a demonstration of accountability and corporate responsibility.
Legal Responsibilities for Businesses
Under Section 114 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, companies must provide consumers with clear, accurate, and understandable information about products and services, including proper labeling, transparent pricing, and truthful descriptions.
According to Mr. Bello, failure to meet these obligations undermines consumer trust and violates principles of fair competition.
Media’s Role in Strengthening Consumer Awareness
Bello also highlighted the important role of journalists in informing the public and holding businesses accountable. Members of the Brand Journalists’ Association of Nigeria were commended for their contributions in reporting accurately on consumer issues and industry practices.
“The media plays a vital role in linking regulators, producers, and consumers. Through responsible reporting and analysis, consumers remain informed, and businesses remain accountable,” the prepared address stated.
Consumers Must Remain Vigilant
The FCCPC Chief Executive Officer also urged Nigerian consumers to carefully examine product labels, safety instructions, and other relevant information when making purchases.
“A well-informed consumer is better positioned to make choices that protect both health and value,” Bello said.
Consumers were encouraged to report unsafe or suspicious products to the FCCPC for investigation and enforcement action.
Consumer Protection Supports Economic Growth
Bello stressed that strong consumer protection frameworks contribute directly to national economic development. Consumer confidence encourages spending, supports business growth, and attracts investment, ultimately fostering a more resilient economy.
Globally recognized consumer rights — the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard — continue to guide the FCCPC under his leadership.
Strengthening Trust in the Marketplace
As Nigeria joined the global community in observing World Consumer Rights Day 2026, Mr. Bello reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a marketplace where product safety, transparency, and accountability are guaranteed.
“Protecting consumers is a responsibility that rests on regulators, businesses, journalists, and consumers alike. By working together, we can create a trustworthy, resilient, and thriving marketplace for all,” his prepared address concluded.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Tunji Bello leads World Consumer Rights Day 2026, emphasizing safe products, transparency, and stronger consumer protection, with his address delivered by Dr. Olubunmi Otti at the Rite Foods factory.
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