Ekine urges FCCPC to establish offices in all 774 LGAs for greater consumer reach

Akonte Ekine, Founder and Lead Strategist of Absolute PR and Convener of the Consumers Value Awards, has called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to expand its office presence to all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

He made this appeal during the 2024 Consumers’ Experience Summit and Awards in Lagos, themed Empowering Consumers: Shaping the Future of Experience.

Ekine emphasized the importance of providing accessible local offices for consumers, especially considering varying literacy levels across the country. He argued that decentralized FCCPC offices would enable more Nigerians to exercise their consumer rights effectively.

“If we genuinely want to improve consumer experiences, we need a national campaign on consumer rights. This includes translating consumer protection legislation into local languages to ensure inclusivity,” Ekine stated, referencing The Book by Mrs. Shola Salako Ajulo as a potential tool for widespread education.

Ekine also urged companies to establish independent feedback departments dedicated to addressing consumer queries within 24 hours.

“All companies must prioritize consumer engagement by responding to issues promptly. With over 200 million consumers, there are 200 million unique experiences, both positive and negative, that require attention,” he noted.

He further highlighted case studies, including the ongoing debate in Nigeria’s judiciary, as detailed in Dele Farotimi’s published works, and the controversy surrounding Erisco Tomato Paste in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Discussing the evolving concept of marketplaces, Ekine observed the shift from physical markets to digital platforms. “Markets have moved from physical locations to our devices. Transactions and exchanges now happen digitally, creating new consumer experiences and challenges,” he explained.

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He also stressed the need for equitable practices in both public and private sectors, emphasizing that consumer experiences often depend on operators’ behavior. “What do you think about the behavior of market operators? It directly affects your experience,” he said.

The summit, convened by Godwin Anyebe, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing consumer experiences.

In his welcome address, Anyebe stated, “This summit is a collaborative platform for ideation, learning, and actionable solutions. Together, we can shape consumer experiences that are innovative, sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered.”

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According to him, “this summit is more than just a conversation—it is a collaborative platform for ideation, learning, and actionable solutions. We will hear from seasoned experts, engage in transformative discussions, and gain insights into trends shaping the future of consumer experiences across industries.”

“I encourage each of you to actively participate, share your perspectives, and network with fellow visionaries to create a collective blueprint for empowering consumers in meaningful ways. Together, we can shape experiences that are not only innovative but also sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered.” He added.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards recognizing excellence across industries: Consumers’ Assembly Presents Award for Most Innovative Property Company of the Year 2024, to Nehemiah Grace Developers Ltd, the Award for Excellence in Real Estate Development and Customer Satisfaction, 2024 went to Sow Eleal Estate, and Cynosure Aesthetic took home the award for Best Aesthetic Care and Customer Satisfaction Award 2024 and award for Excellent in Sustainable Resource Management, 2024, goes to Iron Resource Management.