The Ondo State Government has warned manufacturers, distributors and traders against producing, distributing or selling fake, expired, adulterated and substandard products, threatening violators with sanctions and prosecution.
The government said it would not tolerate business practices that endanger public health, compromise consumer safety or exploit residents for financial gain.
The warning was issued during a stakeholder engagement with business operators organised by the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) as part of efforts to promote fair competition and strengthen consumer protection.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Pastor Bola Ademuwagun, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable business environment while protecting consumers from fraudulent practices and unsafe products.
He called for stronger cooperation among regulatory agencies, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, market associations and consumer groups.
According to him, effective consumer protection requires continuous public awareness, regular market surveillance and strict enforcement of existing regulations.
Ademuwagun urged regulatory agencies to intensify inspections of markets, shops, warehouses and distribution centres to identify and remove counterfeit, expired and substandard products from circulation.
He also advised consumers to check product labels, manufacturing information and expiry dates before making purchases and promptly report suspicious products to the appropriate authorities.
The commissioner warned that individuals and organisations involved in producing or distributing harmful products would be held accountable, stressing that no business interest should take precedence over human lives and public safety.
Ondo Deploys Officers Across 18 LGAs
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, described the engagement as an opportunity to promote dialogue and partnership with business operators rather than target legitimate businesses.
He explained that the agency was established to protect consumers, encourage healthy competition and ensure compliance with laws regulating commercial activities in the state.
Fasipe acknowledged the contributions of businesses to economic growth through employment generation, revenue mobilisation and the provision of essential goods and services.
However, he insisted that business activities must be guided by transparency, accountability and compliance with established standards.
He also highlighted the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency Law, 2026, enacted under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration, as an important step towards strengthening consumer protection and creating a fair business environment.
Identifying counterfeit products, misleading advertisements, inaccurate measurements and unfair pricing as major challenges facing consumers, Fasipe disclosed that two environmental sanitation officers had been deployed to each of the state’s 18 local government areas.
The officers are expected to work with the agency to monitor commercial activities, conduct market surveillance and identify businesses involved in violating consumer protection regulations.
He assured business operators that the agency would adopt a balanced approach involving engagement, public education, monitoring and enforcement.
Fasipe also advised traders to patronise credible suppliers, maintain proper product records, comply with relevant standards and ensure transparency in pricing and measurements.
SON, NAFDAC Pledge Support
The representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) State Director, Mr Yusu Lawal, commended the state government for its efforts to ensure that only quality and standards-compliant products reach consumers.
He reaffirmed SON’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the state government through product monitoring and enforcement of applicable standards.
Similarly, the representative of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) State Coordinator, Mrs Olufunke Ojo, urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medicines, food items and other regulated products.
She advised residents to check product labels, expiry dates, ingredients and manufacturing information before purchasing or consuming such products.
Ojo warned that ignoring these precautions could expose consumers to serious health risks. She also encouraged residents to patronise authorised outlets and report suspicious products and activities to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant, Mr Abere Oluwafemi, pledged the Corps’ support for initiatives aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining a safe business environment.
He urged business operators to comply with established laws and standards, adding that collective responsibility was essential to preventing activities that threaten public health and economic stability.
