The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the premises of some real estate companies over alleged failure to comply with directives issued by the commission regarding consumer complaints.
Speaking to journalists during the enforcement exercise, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Mr. Marvin Nadah, said the action was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to stop exploitative and unfair practices in the real estate sector.
According to him, the commission had earlier issued compliance notices to the affected companies, directing them to address complaints brought forward by consumers.
“We issued orders through compliance notices to these entities and directed them to take certain actions to provide redress to consumers in line with Section 150 of the FCCPC Act,” Nadah said.
He explained that despite several engagements with the companies since June last year, the firms failed to comply with the commission’s directives.
“As a result of that non-compliance, we have come to seal their business premises,” he added.
Nadah revealed that some of the complaints involved consumers who paid for properties that were never delivered, while in another case, the commission had directed a company to refund a customer after investigations confirmed the complaint.
“These entities are real estate companies involved in selling land, building and managing properties. In one instance, consumers paid for properties that were not delivered. In another case, we ordered a refund to a consumer, but the company failed to comply,” he stated.
He further explained that the enforcement action was backed by the provisions of Section 150(4) of the FCCPC Act, which empowers the commission to seal business premises and take other enforcement measures where organisations fail to obey compliance notices.
“FCCPC’s action is backed by statutory provisions of the Act, particularly Section 150 subsection four, which empowers us to seal premises where there is failure to comply with directives issued by the commission,” Nadah said.
The commission reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring accountability within the real estate sector.
