Ondo govt warns against substandard goods, threatens prosecution

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has vowed to tackle traders dealing in unregistered, counterfeit and substandard products, warning that they risk prosecution as the state intensifies its consumer protection drive.

The warning was issued by the Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, Oluyemi Fasipe, during a press briefing in Akure on Tuesday.

Fasipe said the newly enacted consumer protection law had strengthened the agency’s powers to sanction businesses found violating regulations, including those involved in the production, distribution and sale of harmful or illegal products.

He said the agency would step up surveillance and enforcement across the state, particularly against dealers in fake drinks, adulterated food items, expired goods and other products capable of putting consumers’ health at risk.

According to him, filling station operators who tamper with dispensing equipment, as well as producers of sachet and bottled water who fail to meet safety standards, would also face enforcement action.

Fasipe added that service providers, including artisans, electricity distribution companies and telecommunications firms, would be scrutinised over practices considered unfair, deceptive or exploitative, stressing that businesses found culpable could have their premises sealed and offending products withdrawn.

The chairman linked the renewed enforcement to the recent deaths associated with the consumption of suspected poisonous herbal products in parts of the state, saying the incident exposed the consequences of weak regulation and underscored the need to prevent illegal products from reaching consumers.

He urged business owners to comply with relevant laws and quality standards, stressing that the agency would focus on illegal operators and would no longer allow consumers to be exploited with impunity.