The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the operational premises of a major importer at Alaba International Market over its alleged refusal to comply with regulatory directives relating to the sale of a defective solar battery to customers.
Enforcement Action Led by Zonal Coordinator
The Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC, Dr. Olubunmi Otti, who led the enforcement team and security operatives to the market on Tuesday, said the commission sealed the company's premises under Section 150(4)(a) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018. According to her, the action followed the company's failure to comply with a compliance notice issued by the commission after an investigation into a consumer complaint.
Background of the Complaint
Otti explained that the matter originated from a complaint involving a defective solar battery purchased and fully paid for in February 2025. Following the complaint, she said the commission commenced an investigation and invited the importer and the company on several occasions to appear before the commission, but they allegedly failed to honour the invitations. She further stated that the FCCPC subsequently issued a summons compelling the importer and the company to appear, but they again failed to comply.
Compliance Notice and Non-Compliance
As part of its regulatory process, Otti said the commission later served the company with a Compliance Notice under Section 150(1) of the FCCPA, outlining the nature of the alleged violation, the remedial actions required, the deadline for compliance, and the consequences of non-compliance. She noted that despite being duly served and granted what the commission described as a reasonable period to remedy the breach, the importer and the company allegedly failed to comply with the notice.
"Consequently, and in direct exercise of FCCPC powers under Section 150(4)(a) of the FCCPA, 2018, the Commission has today proceeded to seal these premises," she said. Otti explained that the law empowers the commission to shut down or close any premises where a compliance notice continues to be breached until the violation is remedied. She emphasised that the action was not intended as a punitive measure but rather as a protective and corrective intervention aimed at ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws.
Conditions for Reopening
According to her, the premises will remain sealed until the commission is satisfied that the breach has been fully addressed, after which a compliance certificate would be issued in accordance with Section 150(3) of the Act. Otti urged importers and businesses to take compliance notices seriously, warning that the law leaves little room for discretion where violations persist after regulatory directives have been ignored.
Reaction from Market Association
Reacting to the enforcement action, President of the Industrial Material Dealers Association, Alaba International Market, Opara Martins, said officials of the commission visited his office before carrying out the enforcement exercise, which he advised them to proceed with in line with their lawful duties. He said while he was unaware of the specific circumstances that led to the commission's action, he could not fault the agency for carrying out its statutory responsibilities. Martins, however, described the company as reputable, adding that the importer is a key stakeholder within the Alaba business community. He further stated that the market had not been known for practices that undermine consumer protection. He expressed optimism that the dispute would be resolved amicably in due course.
Company's Response
The General Manager of the firm, Tochukwu Munachukwu, expressed shock over the action taken by the commission, insisting that neither he nor the company received the series of letters and notices the FCCPC claimed to have served on them. Munachukwu maintained that he is a law-abiding citizen and would have responded promptly had any formal communication reached him. He described the dispute as a civil commercial matter that should be resolved through engagement and dialogue rather than public enforcement action. According to him, the incident has caused embarrassment to both the company and its management.
