The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency has commenced moves to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to protect residents from exploitation and unsafe products.
The Chairman of the ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, disclosed this during separate courtesy and familiarisation visits to the Ondo State commands of the NIS and SON.
Fasipe, who led the agency’s management team on the visits, said the engagement with the NIS focused on areas of mutual interest, particularly the activities of fraudulent immigration agents and intermediaries.
According to him, the agencies also discussed consumer complaints, public awareness and measures to protect members of the public from exploitation.
At the NIS, the ODCCPA team was received by the Comptroller, CIS PBN Iregbu, PCC, FICA, and his team.
The ODCCPA chairman said the visit to the SON office also provided an opportunity to discuss product safety, compliance with standards, market surveillance, counterfeit and substandard products, consumer complaints and public sensitisation.
The team was received by the SON State Coordinator, Dr Olusola Akinsolawa.
Fasipe said the engagements were part of efforts to build strong institutional relationships as the ODCCPA moves towards full operationalisation.
He stressed that effective consumer protection could not be achieved by a single agency, noting that collaboration, information sharing and a clear understanding of the responsibilities of relevant institutions were essential.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Iregbu, Akinsolawa and their respective teams for their warm reception and constructive engagements.
He said the ODCCPA would continue to build partnerships aimed at strengthening consumer protection, promoting responsible business practices and safeguarding the interests of residents of Ondo State.