The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) today sealed the premises of two real estate enterprises in the Federal Capital Territory for non-compliance with directions given to resolve consumer complaints.
Daily Independent reported that two real estates sealed are Ochacho Group worldwide, Life Camp and Tibillion Construction Real Estate located in Wuse 2, Abuja.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the FCCPC’s Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Marvin Nadah said the action was a continuation of the Commission’s efforts to curb “obnoxious and exploitative practices” against consumers in the real estate sector.
“We had issued orders through a compliance notice to these entities that you have seen today and the other one we visited,” he said.
In such orders, we had ordered that certain action be taken to deal with consumer concerns that were before us. This was as per our law given under Section 154 of the Act.
“But these entities did not comply. “We have come because of the non-compliance and we have sealed the business premises.
‘One example was pretty much people paid for homes that didn’t come.
“In another instance, after we reviewed the matter, we instructed the company to make refund to the consumer, but the company did not do so.”
The Commission has also issued compliance notifications to the enterprises under Section 154 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) to address pending consumer complaints, said Nadah.
He added that the complaints were for consumers who paid for properties that were never delivered and where the Commission had ordered refunds that were not fulfilled.
He said that the action did not need court intervention.
In instance, section 154 subsection 4 gives us the authorities to seal any premises amongst other powers if there is non-compliance to a compliance notice,” he stated.
Both of the affected companies are real estate enterprises that deal in land sales, property development and property management.
After evaluation, future action including possible prosecution would be taken, the deputy director said, but added that reopening the premises would require compliance with the Commission’s directions.
Consumers were urged by him to “read the small prints” and get counsel before signing any business deal, adding that the mandate of the FCCPC is to safeguard and promote the interest of the consumer.
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