FCCPC, NAFDAC Seal Partnership To Strengthen Consumer Protection, Market Regulation

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration on consumer protection, product safety and market surveillance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the executive vice chairman/chief executive officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the agreement represents a deliberate step toward improving coordination between both agencies in areas where their mandates overlap.

Bello noted that while FCCPC is mandated to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive and exploitative market practices, NAFDAC is responsible for regulating the safety, quality and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and other regulated products.

He explained that in practice, both institutions often confront similar challenges, particularly in cases involving substandard products, misleading claims, unsafe pharmaceuticals and deceptive advertising.
“In reality, the work of both agencies often converges,” Bello said, adding that issues affecting product safety frequently also raise consumer protection concerns.

He said the newly – signed MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation, including improved information sharing, coordinated investigations and clearer complaint-handling processes to ensure consumers are not burdened with determining which agency to approach.

According to him, the agreement establishes designated liaison teams between both institutions to enhance coordination, reduce duplication of efforts and improve regulatory efficiency.

Bello further stated that the partnership will also support capacity building through joint training, technical collaboration and continuous exchange of expertise between both agencies.

He said the benefits of the collaboration would be felt by consumers through faster complaint resolution, improved enforcement of standards and stronger protection against unsafe and misleading products in the market.

“For businesses, expectations are clear. Compliance remains essential, and a more coordinated regulatory approach will make enforcement more predictable and consistent,” he said.

The FCCPC boss stressed that effective regulation goes beyond enforcement, noting that trust in the marketplace is essential for economic efficiency and sustainable competition.

“When consumers trust that products are safe and that their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently. When businesses operate within clear and consistent rules, competition is strengthened,” he said.

He commended the leadership and technical teams of both agencies for facilitating the agreement, describing the MoU as the beginning of a process rather than an end in itself.

Bello said the success of the partnership would ultimately depend on implementation, continuous review and measurable outcomes that improve regulatory effectiveness.

The FCCPC, he added, remains committed to working with NAFDAC and other relevant institutions to strengthen consumer protection and promote fair, well-functioning markets across the country.