Business
Govt Comes Down Hard On Abuja Rice Fraudsters
By Gideon Ayeni
A mild drama unfolded on Tuesday at Utako Market in Abuja as operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) stormed the market in a major crackdown on rice fraud.
At least ten shops in the popular Abuja market were sealed over allegations of repackaging locally-produced rice and falsely marketing it as premium imported brands.
The enforcement team, led by FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, arrived in full gear, accompanied by security operatives. Their presence sent traders and customers scrambling, drawing the attention of onlookers and sparking tension within the bustling market.
According to Adeyinka, the raid was triggered by credible intelligence from brand owners and concerned consumers who reported suspicious practices by a cartel believed to be behind the fraudulent scheme of some in the market in Abuja involved in the repackaing of local rice as foreign rice.
“This operation is based on intelligence that certain shops are rebagging local rice and branding them as long-discontinued foreign products. For example, Royal Stallion exited the Nigerian market over a decade ago, yet we’re seeing bags of it being sold,” she stated during the operation.
Despite the crackdown, some of the market players denied any wrongdoing, claiming they sourced their rice from certified dealers and rice millers within Abuja and Nigeria.
Adeyinka, however, emphasized that the deceptive rebranding of local rice to meet the persistent demand for foreign alternatives not only misleads consumers but also undermines fair market practices and economic integrity.
“Many Nigerian consumers still prefer foreign rice. Unfortunately, some traders have capitalized on this by disguising local rice as imported brands. This exploitation violates consumer rights and constitutes economic sabotage,” she added.
She also reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from deceitful business practices and warned that this raid marked the beginning of a broader enforcement campaign.
“This is just the start. We will continue to go after offenders. Those found guilty will face stiff administrative penalties and fines to deter future violations,” she said.
The FCCPC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on consumer abuse and vowed to maintain its clampdown on unethical practices in markets nationwide as it did the rice dealers in the Abuja market.
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