The Ondo State Government has launched a crackdown on the production, distribution, and sale of unregistered, counterfeit, adulterated, and substandard products across the state. The government has warned individuals involved in these activities to desist or face prosecution. This move is aimed at protecting consumers from harmful products and deceptive business practices.
The Chairman of the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, Mr. Oluyemi Fasipe, announced this development during a press conference in Akure, the state capital. He stated that the newly enacted state law empowers the agency to take stronger enforcement actions against violators. The law provides the agency with the legal backing to sanction offenders and protect consumers.
The agency will intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the state, targeting producers and sellers of fake drinks, adulterated consumables, expired goods, counterfeit products, and other items capable of endangering public health. Fasipe also warned filling station operators against manipulating dispensing equipment and cautioned producers of sachet and bottled water to comply with prescribed safety and quality standards.
Service providers, including artisans, electricity distribution companies, and telecommunications firms, will also be held accountable for unfair, deceptive, or exploitative practices affecting consumers. The agency's actions will be directed at illegal operators, not legitimate businesses. Any business venture found culpable will have its premises sealed, while offending products will be removed from circulation, and offenders prosecuted where criminal liability is established.
The recent deaths reported in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Area of the state following the consumption of unverified herbal products underscore the need for stronger regulatory oversight. The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal rose to 49, as 170 people were reportedly affected by the health crisis. Fasipe stated that this incident highlights the importance of the agency's work in controlling such activities.
Fasipe urged business operators in the state to review their operations and ensure compliance with relevant laws and standards. He warned that the era of exploiting consumers with impunity is over. The agency will work to stop illegal activities, and Fasipe expressed confidence that they will do a lot of work to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Ondo State Government's move to prosecute dealers of unregistered and substandard products is a significant step towards protecting consumers and promoting a fair business environment. The government's efforts aim to ensure that businesses operate within the bounds of the law and that consumers are not exploited or harmed by substandard products.
Key points
- The Ondo State Government has launched a crackdown on unregistered, counterfeit, adulterated, and substandard products.
- The new law empowers the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency to take stronger enforcement actions against violators.
- The agency will intensify monitoring and enforcement activities to protect consumers from harm.
