FCCPC restates commitment to consumer protection

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has restated its commitment to protect consumers in the country.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Babatunde Irukera, stated this in Lagos during an enforcement exercise, following complaints from customers over certain cosmetic surgical procedures carried out by Med Contour services.

Med Contour allegedly engaged in unprofessional conducts, which are misleading and potentially injurious, including possible fatalities.

“We have credible information that Med Contour is performing surgical procedure in a manner that is inconsistent with the law. The FCCPC hereby informs Med Contour and Doctor Anu Fella that it has commenced an investigation pursuant to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

“In addition, Section 18(4), 32 and 33 make provisions with respect to FCCPC’s powers and processes in conducting investigations. The scope of the investigation is pursuant to sections 17(s), (t), (x), (y) and 130, which prohibit obnoxious practices, require services to be safe and for the commission to reduce the risk of injury to consumers, as well as ensure that services comply with applicable care standards,” he stated.

He noted that sections 123, 124 and 125 prohibit passing of misleading statements, issuing guaranties or statements on the efficacy or probable outcomes with respect to untested or scientifically unproven services, while sections 127, 128 and 129 prohibit unfair or unreasonable contract terms, exclusion or waiver of legitimate liability for prevailing care standards.

Irukera stated that Med Contour was required to provide evidence of registration as a body modification specialist, identity details of all personnel, associates, consultants and visiting professionals working with Med Contour, including evidence of designation, job descriptions qualifications and years of experience with Med Contour and elsewhere.

Others are copies of relevant operating and professional licenses, full description of all services offered by Med Contour, including surgical techniques, processes or procedural manuals, forms and other client intake or clerking information and documents.

The CEO said the complaints were received from January 1, 2018 till date, including detailed narrative of nature of complaint and final resolution, adding, “They must provide information on any known injuries to previous and existing clients, including fatalities, detailed information on consultation process with prospective clients, evidence of Med Contour’s practice with respect to historical data, post-operation follow-up and care, including any records of such.

Med Contour is expected to provide the above information, with any other information considered relevant to the investigation before close of business on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.