Some years ago, Prince Babatunde Irukera was appointed Director General of the then Consumer Protection Council (CPC), now rejigged, repositioned and renamed Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to address chains of consumers and producers rights and privileges, complaints as well as check mate any unethical activity.
In the last few year in acting capacity, before the request by Nigerian President for confirmation as substantive Chief Executive Officer of FCCPC by the Senate, Irukera had ensure standard practice in indigenous business conglomerates and foreign ones to the advantage of end users and consumer of both products and services in Nigeria.
His flair for doing the right things was never compromised. The fear of Irukera became the beginning of wisdom for those who engage in sharp practices in Nigeria.
FCCPC, in the last few years, has been a major stumbling block to manufacturers and suppliers, who hitherto had turned Nigeria to a dumping ground for all sub-standard goods, products and services, to the detriment of average and many Nigerians.
The recent developments also embolden many Nigerians as not only a complainant, as obtainable during the dark days of CPC, but had their problems solved and rights and privileges restored, without much bureaucracy and bottlenecks.
Under his watch, FCCPC also checkmated activities of sellers and buyers as well as suppliers and middle men of products and services, who indulge in making good fortune through sharp practices.
Irukera’s efforts to rejig the inspection, enforcement and compliance department in the new FCCPC is commendable. This has also relive confidence of many Nigerians by encouraging the purchasing power through acquisition of the required products that will address the intent and demands of the people.
Babatunde Irukera became the darling of foreign producers and manufacturers as awards, recommendations and letters of recognition daily throng his office for a job well done.
Irukera’s stint also nipped the idea of importation of fake and adulterated products, sub standard goods and expired items for the consumption of many Nigerians in the bud.
FCCPC now conform with service agreement with service providers of any sort and ensure providers are subservient to clients in all ramifications.
Prince Babatunde Irukera’s appointment to many Nigerians, stakeholders and opinion moulders is a round peg in a round hole, that enhance quality leadership laced with confidence, commitment and dedication to duty.
With eventful leadership, there is no doubt that in the next few years, his achievements will transcends primordial interest, that will return full sanity and orderliness as well as sincerity of purpose to production and products management.
– Usman Okai Austin, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja.
