The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has cautioned traders in Lagos against displaying or enforcing “no return, no refund” policies, describing the practice as unlawful under Nigerian regulations, ENigeria Newspaper gathered.
Speaking at the swearing-in of new executives of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) in Lagos, the agency’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Dr Olubunmi Otti, said many sellers continue to ignore provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
According to Otti, the commission is intensifying market outreach to remind businesses of their legal responsibilities and to educate buyers about their rights. She stressed that empowering consumers with knowledge remains the most effective way to prevent exploitation.
She made it clear that traders cannot refuse to take back defective goods or deny refunds where products fail to serve their intended purpose. “The law does not recognise ‘no return, no refund’ once a product is faulty or unfit,” she said, noting that affected customers are entitled to remedies such as replacement, exchange or repayment.
Otti explained that when disputes arise, the commission first opts for mediation between both parties.
However, persistent non-compliance could attract stricter measures, including fines, product seizures, prosecution or even closure of offending businesses.
She urged market leaders to encourage compliance among their members to sustain consumer confidence and healthy competition. The awareness drive, she added, will be extended to other major trading hubs in the Southwest, including Alaba Market and the Trade Fair Complex.
Calling on consumers to report unfair treatment, Otti revealed that the commission already handles thousands of complaints monthly in the region.
She encouraged buyers not to remain silent when their rights are breached but to approach the FCCPC for redress.
