Uche Cecil Izuora
With great zeal and determination to promote renewable energy transition in the face of fragile grid infrastructure, Nigeria has stepped forward with strong action to flush out those in the business of substandard solar energy products distribution.
The country is becoming decisive towards curbing a growing threat from the influx of substandard solar batteries, which prompted the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to intensify enforcement actions against erring importers and distributors.
The Commission showing its commitment and willingness to achieve this sealed the premises of CASCO Electronic Co. Limited, a major solar battery importer at Alaba International Market, Lagos, over its alleged refusal to comply with regulatory directives arising from the sale of a defective solar battery to consumers.
The development has spotlighted mounting concerns among industry stakeholders that poor-quality battery imports are eroding public confidence in solar energy at a time when millions of Nigerians are increasingly embracing renewable energy alternatives to cope with persistent electricity shortages and rising fuel costs.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the FCCPC’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Olubunmi Otti, said the action was taken pursuant to Section 150(4)(a) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, following the company’s alleged failure to comply with a compliance notice issued by the commission.
According to her, the case originated from a complaint involving a defective solar battery purchased and fully paid for in February 2025. Following the complaint, the commission commenced investigations and repeatedly invited the importer and the company to appear before it, but they allegedly failed to honour the invitations.
Otti explained that the commission subsequently issued a summons and later served the company with a Compliance Notice outlining the nature of the alleged violation, the remedial actions required, the timeline for compliance and the consequences of non-compliance.
Despite these measures, she said, the importer and the company allegedly failed to comply. “Consequently, and in direct exercise of FCCPC powers under Section 150(4)(a) of the FCCPA, 2018, the Commission has today proceeded to seal these premises,” she stated.
She emphasised that the action was not intended as punishment but rather as a corrective and protective measure designed to safeguard consumer interests and ensure compliance with the law.
The enforcement action reflects wider concerns within Nigeria’s solar energy industry over the growing presence of defective batteries in the market.
Industry operators say many consumers are increasingly reporting battery failures within months of installation, far below the lifespan advertised by manufacturers and suppliers.
Reacting to the enforcement action, President of the Industrial Material Dealers Association, Alaba International Market, Mr. Opara Martins, said FCCPC officials informed him before carrying out the operation. While noting that he was not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the dispute, he acknowledged the commission’s responsibility to protect consumers.
“The company involved is generally regarded as reputable and remains a key stakeholder within the Alaba business community. Nevertheless, the commission has a statutory responsibility to protect consumers, and I advised them to proceed in accordance with the law,” he said.
Martins added that Alaba International Market had not been known for practices that undermine consumer protection and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably.
However, the General Manager of the affected company, Mr. Tochukwu Munachukwu, disputed the commission’s claims, insisting that the company did not receive the series of letters and notices the FCCPC said it had served.