There was some drama in Utako Market, Abuja, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 when officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) entered the market and shut down ten rice shops.

The shops were accused of taking Nigerian rice and repackaging it to look like expensive imported brands.

People in the market, including traders and customers, ran out of the area in confusion as FCCPC officers, wearing green jackets and backed by security, carried out the raid.

Some of the shop owners whose stores were sealed said they did nothing wrong and claimed they bought their rice from well-known dealers and millers within Nigeria.

FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigations, Boladale Adeyinka, who led the operation, said they Commission acted based on strong reports from rice brand owners and customers, who complained that some popular foreign brands, which are no longer sold in Nigeria, were still being seen in the market.

“We received reports from brand owners that their products are no longer in the Nigerian market. For instance, Royal Stallion exited Nigeria over ten years ago,” she said.

She explained that some buyers still prefer foreign rice, even though it’s now hard to find. This has encouraged dishonest traders to take Nigerian rice, put it in foreign bags, and sell it at higher prices.

“…because of the demand for foreign rice, some market cartels have resorted to rebagging local rice and selling it as imported. This practice is not only exploitative but also infringes on consumer rights and undermines economic integrity,” Adeyinka added.

The FCCPC said it will not stop until fake and misleading practices are wiped out of markets across the country.
“This enforcement will be sustained. Those found guilty will face administrative penalties and fines to serve as a deterrent to others,” she warned.