By Bassey Udo
The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced a broad investigation into certain segments of the importation, manufacture, assembly, and or distribution of generators in the country by three generator distribution companies.
The companies which are involved in generator importation, manufacture, assembly and distribution in the country include Jubaili Brothers, Mikano International Limited and JMG Nigeria Limited
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Babatunde Irukera, said the probe, which followed credible intelligence and preliminary inquiry into issues reported to it, was pursuant to Sections 17(e),(g), (l); 18(d), (h); 27,28,29,30,59,70,72, 107, 108 (and others) of the FCCP Act 2018.
In furtherance of the investigation, the Commission said on November 16, 2022 it obtained a Search Warrant and Order of the Federal High Court in Case No: FHC/ABJ/CS/2075/2022, after sufficiently convincing the court that there was probable cause and prima facie evidence of infringements of the FCCP Act.
Irukera said the purpose of the Search Warrant and Order was to secure vital information and evidence from key targets and large industry players whose businesses and practices have been implicated in the intelligence so far procured, and surveillance work already done.
The Commission said it simultaneously executed the Search Warrants on the three companies and has secured certain information from targets of the investigation.
The agency said investigations were progressing with forensic analysis, questioning, and other evidence gathering tools.
The agency said it was interested in receiving feedback or experiences with respect to dealings; or any relevant knowledge of the business or practices of generator sellers or distributors.
Particularly, the Commission said it was interested in any knowledge with respect to pricings, multiple, or duplicitous equipment models, import, and or customs clearing practices; and any mutual communication or coordination between companies.
The Commission assured that it would welcome information, including anonymously, and would protect the identities of contributors who so request, adding that where a contributor desired to direct engagement, the Commission would provide the same, under secure circumstances, or otherwise at the direction of the contributor. Information can be sent to a secure dedicated email address created by the Commission; openpower@fccpc.gov.ng
