Consumer protection agency tasks government on substandard fuel

The Centre for Consumer Concern (CCC) has urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to urgently address the issue of adulterated petroleum products in the country before it causes further damage to consumers in the country.

Convener of the centre, Muyiwa Ayojimi, who stated this in a statement, yesterday, insisted that every consumer in the country has the right to get value for money spent and most importantly, right to redress.

“While indeed the agency may say that affected consumers can approach the agency on the issue, there has been no statement from the agency, either to assuage or inform consumers on this issue.

“This is a public interest infringement and the FCCPC just as it clamps down on manufacturers and private organisations should also do the same to these erring agencies and companies that have brought untold hardship and tales of woe to the Nigerian Consumer,” the statement reads.

He said all eyes were on the FCCPC on the matter, adding that even the international community was concerned on how the agency would act without bias, but take appropriate actions in the matter in the interest of the Nigerian consumers.

“The Nigerian consumer deserves information and the FCCPC should rise up to its responsibility. The Nigerian consumer wants to be informed about the colour of latent composition of such substandard fuel, among other concerns at this time,” it added.

Ayojimi, therefore, charged the FCCPC to coordinate its partners to address the Nigerian consumers on the matter, adding: “It would demonstrate that” it is not only unconsciously biased towards a sister agency on matters of utmost importance as substandard fuel, but also show that its not focused on the competition arm of its oversight functions.”