The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, has disclosed that the agency has embarked on far-reaching institutional reforms aimed at strengthening consumer rights protection, improving service delivery and eliminating the circulation of substandard products across the state.
Dr. Muhammad made this known while outlining the achievements and ongoing reforms since assuming office, stressing that his administration is determined to reposition the Council into a modern, responsive and efficient regulatory institution capable of protecting consumers and promoting fair trade practices.
According to him, one of the first decisions taken after his appointment was the restructuring of the agency’s workforce, explaining that staff redeployment was carried out based strictly on competence and efficiency rather than years of service.
“We inherited a system that required urgent reforms. Our priority was to place capable personnel in positions where they can effectively deliver on the Council’s mandate,” he said.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Council has since organized capacity-building workshops for its personnel while also engaging traders, business associations and other key stakeholders to deepen understanding of consumer protection laws and encourage compliance with acceptable business practices.
He added that the Council has strengthened collaboration with strategic government agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as well as various security agencies to enhance coordinated enforcement against fake, adulterated, and unsafe products.
As part of efforts to modernize its operations, Dr. Muhammad revealed that the Council has launched its own official website to improve accessibility, digital documentation and efficient handling of complaints.
He further disclosed that the agency has intensified public enlightenment campaigns across Kano State to educate consumers on their rights while encouraging peaceful dispute resolution between consumers and traders.
Dedicated hotline numbers have also been introduced to enable residents report complaints directly to the Council for prompt action.
Speaking on the support received from the Kano State Government, the Executive Secretary commended the administration for providing the enabling environment needed for the Council to discharge its responsibilities independently and effectively.
He noted that the agency also maintains close collaboration with similar consumer protection institutions in other states to exchange ideas and adopt best practices.
Dr. Muhammad assured residents that more visible reforms would soon be witnessed, saying the ongoing restructuring would significantly improve the Council’s effectiveness in safeguarding public interest.
He disclosed that since assuming office, the Council has received more than 200 consumer complaints, with additional reports continuing to arrive from different parts of the state.
“In our commitment to protecting public health, we have already confiscated about 50 substandard products to ensure that only safe and quality goods reach consumers,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the Council has encountered several operational challenges, particularly due to low public awareness of its mandate, Dr. Muhammad maintained that the agency remains committed to fairness, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.
He also emphasized the Council’s independence, revealing that no government official has attempted to influence its operations or interfere with investigations since he assumed office.
The Executive Secretary called on residents of Kano State to actively support the Council by reporting suspicious, fake, expired or unsafe products, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in protecting the health and safety of consumers.
Despite the enormous challenges ahead, Dr. Muhammad expressed confidence that with integrity, professionalism and divine guidance, the Council would continue to protect the rights of consumers and ensure that dishonest business practices have no place in Kano State.
