Buyers’ Dilemma: “No Return, No Refund” Trading Practice Declared Illegal By FCCPC
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission(FCCPC) has issued a strong warning to sellers across Lagos markets, declaring the widely practiced “No Return, No Refund” policy, a common practice where traders refuse to make refunds for defective goods, illegal and contrary to established consumer protection laws in Nigeria. This message was delivered during a recent sensitization campaign led by FCCPC while visiting major markets in Lagos to educate both traders and consumers on their rights and responsibilities. The exercise is part of a nationwide drive, aimed to reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from unfair market practices.
Addressing traders and market leaders, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Irukera, emphasized that every consumer who purchases defective or substandard goods is entitled to seek a replacement or a refund. “The ‘No Return, No Refund’ policy is not recognised under Nigerian law. Traders must respect consumers’ rights,” Irukera said. He warned that the Commission would not hesitate to enforce penalties on businesses that violate these regulations.
The campaign, which included distribution of information materials and on-the-spot engagement with both traders and shoppers, was met with mixed reactions. While some traders expressed concern about the impact on their businesses, many consumers welcomed the move. One shopper at Balogun Market remarked, “It’s about time we have protection. If a product is faulty, we should not be left to bear the loss.”
The FCCPC also used the opportunity to respond to complaints from market patrons who have previously been denied refunds or product exchanges. Officials assured consumers that they can now report such incidents directly to the Commission for prompt intervention. The outreach is expected to continue across other markets in Lagos and beyond, as part of broader efforts to instill a culture of accountability and fairness within the Nigerian marketplace.
With the government’s renewed focus on enforcing consumer rights, traders are now being urged to display fair return policies and treat customer satisfaction as a central part of their business. The era of “buyer beware” may soon be replaced with “customer is king” across Nigerian markets.
