Lagos: Traders in Daleko Market, Mushin, Lagos State, on Wednesday obstructed officials from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as they attempted to enforce actions against the illegal sale of rebranded rice.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, hundreds of traders at Daleko Market emerged from their shops, effectively preventing FCCPC officials from executing their duties. Mrs. Margaret Aboluwade, the FCCPC Southwest Zonal Coordinator, addressed newsmen during the enforcement exercise, stating that both the market leadership and the traders would face legal repercussions for their actions.
“The traders resisted us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility. We’ll get to our headquarters, and the needful will be done,” Aboluwade remarked. She noted that some traders claimed they were not the only ones involved in selling rebranded Stallion and Cap rice products. These companies have reportedly ceased operations or left the country since 2015, yet their rice products continue to appear in the market.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reported that traders also prevented FCCPC officials from sealing shops displaying these illegal products. The officials were hindered by the sheer number of traders, but they aimed to avoid any violence or market unrest.
Aboluwade explained that both Stallion and Cap rice are no longer available in the market as legitimate brands. Instead, traders rebrand local rice and expired imported products, passing them off as Stallion or Cap rice to unsuspecting consumers. She emphasized that the FCCPC remains committed to protecting consumer interests and intends to seal shops selling unauthentic rice.
One of the market leaders, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed hope that the issue would be resolved through collaboration between the government and market stakeholders. She added that measures would be taken to curb illegal activities and ensure the market is free from the alleged rebranding practices.
