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 improving consumer protection, product regulation, and market fairness across Nigeria.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between both agencies in protecting Nigerian consumers.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the partnership as a strategic move to improve cooperation in areas where the responsibilities of both agencies intersect.
According to Bello, while the mandates of the two agencies are clearly defined by law, their operations often overlap in practice, especially in matters relating to product safety and consumer welfare.
“The FCCPC is committed to protecting consumers from unfair, fraudulent, and exploitative market practices, while NAFDAC regulates the production, importation, distribution, marketing, and use of products such as food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, and medical devices,” he said.
He explained that issues such as unsafe products, deceptive advertising, and misleading claims often require the involvement of both agencies.
“For instance, a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction but also a consumer protection issue for the FCCPC. This agreement provides a practical framework for collaboration in such cases,” Bello stated.
He noted that the MoU would enhance information sharing between both agencies, allowing for faster access to data required for investigations, policy development, and enforcement activities.
Bello also disclosed that the agreement would create a more coordinated system for handling consumer complaints, reducing confusion among members of the public.
“Rather than leaving consumers uncertain about which agency to approach, complaints can now be received through a coordinated process and directed through clearly defined channels,” he added.
According to him, designated liaison teams from both agencies would help improve response time and strengthen enforcement efforts.
The FCCPC boss further stated that the partnership would support joint training programmes, technical cooperation, and institutional capacity building between the agencies.
He said the collaboration would ultimately benefit consumers through simpler complaint processes, quicker resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement of standards, while also providing businesses with clearer and more predictable regulatory guidelines.
“When consumers are confident that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently. Likewise, when businesses operate under clear and consistent regulations, fair competition is strengthened,” Bello said.
He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to working closely with NAFDAC and other relevant institutions to promote consumer welfare and ensure fair market practices.
Also speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as a positive development and an improvement on previous collaborative arrangements between both agencies.
“We have had similar partnerships in the past, but this represents a more effective and improved framework for collaboration,” she said.
Adeyeye commended the FCCPC leadership for its dedication to consumer protection and assured that NAFDAC would fully implement the provisions of the agreement.