The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken its market reforms straight to the grassroots, starting with a major engagement at the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano — the largest grain market in West Africa.

Speaking directly to traders on Wednesday, FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the commission was determined to protect consumers and uphold fairness in the market.

“Our presence here is not to police, but to partner with you,” Bello told the traders. “We want to ensure that fairness, transparency, and quality are at the heart of every transaction.”

This outreach is part of the FCCPC’s broader nationwide initiative aimed at stopping illegal practices like repackaging low-grade products as premium goods and hiking prices without justification.

“Unscrupulous practices like these hurt everyone — the buyer, the honest trader, and the Nigerian economy as a whole,” Bello added.

Welcoming the commission’s intervention, the President of the Dawanau Market Development Association, Alhaji Muttaqa Isa, described the engagement as “long overdue.” He assured the FCCPC that the market leaders are fully on board to support efforts to make food safe and affordable.

“As market leaders, it’s our duty to ensure that what we sell offers true value, not deception,” Isa said. “We’ll keep educating our members on fair pricing and quality. Quality is non-negotiable.”

He also reaffirmed the market’s readiness to work closely with regulators to stamp out product adulteration and any practices that might erode public trust.

With this move, the FCCPC hopes to not only protect consumers but also help strengthen the credibility of Nigerian markets — ensuring that both buyers and genuine sellers thrive.