The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed First Place Supermarket in the Guzape area of Abuja over alleged pricing irregularities and the sale of counterfeit and expired products.
The enforcement action, carried out on Friday, followed multiple consumer complaints about deceptive trade practices at the facility.
During the raid, FCCPC officials discovered notable discrepancies between shelf prices and the amounts charged at checkout, raising concerns about transparency in pricing.
In a statement shared via its official X handle, the commission said the inspection also uncovered suspected counterfeit rice and other substandard goods.
“During the inspection, the Commission identified several potential consumer protection violations, including differences between shelf prices and checkout prices, products displayed without price tags, expired products offered for sale, improper storage of perishable items, and suspected counterfeit products, including rice, which were confiscated.”
The commission added that the supermarket would remain closed pending a full regulatory review and further investigation into the origin of the suspected counterfeit items.
“The FCCPC reminds businesses that consumers are entitled to transparent pricing, safe products, and fair treatment at all times. The Commission will take appropriate regulatory action after a full review of the findings.”
The agency also urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious or unfair market practices, stressing the importance of collective efforts in protecting consumers from exploitation.