Nigeria: FCCPC cracks down on “No Return, No Refund” policy
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Lagos traders against enforcing the illegal “no return, no refund” policy. Dr. Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator of the FCCPC Southwest Zone, emphasized that this policy is prohibited under Nigerian law, citing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018
According to Otti, consumers have the right to return products that don’t fulfill their intended purpose, and businesses must provide refunds, replacements, or exchanges. The FCCPC will mediate complaints and impose fines, withdraw products, seize goods, prosecute offenders, or shut down erring businesses if necessary.
The commission is educating traders and consumers about their rights and responsibilities, stressing that consumer education is key to preventing market exploitation. Otti urged consumers to report any rights violations to the FCCPC, saying, “When your rights are violated, don’t just say, ‘You give it to God.’ Bring your complaints to the FCCPC. The law empowers us to protect you”.
The FCCPC’s stance is backed by Nigerian law, with courts ruling against businesses that enforce “no return, no refund” policies. In recent cases, courts have awarded damages to consumers and declared such policies illegal.
