By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA – The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday sealed the business premises of two Abuja-based real estate firms – Ochacho Group and TI’BLON Construction/Real Estate/Facility Management over alleged non-compliance with regulatory directives aimed at protecting consumers.

The enforcement exercise, carried out in Abuja, affected the premises of Ochacho Group located in Idu and TI’BLON Construction situated at No. 4 Santana Close, Wuse.

Speaking during the operation, Deputy Director, surveillance and investigation, FCCPC Marvin Nadah said the action was part of the commission’s ongoing crackdown on obnoxious and exploitative practices within the real estate sector.

According to him, the commission had earlier issued compliance notices to the affected firms, directing them to take specific actions in favour of consumers following complaints received against them.

“This is a continuation of the Commission’s efforts at stopping obnoxious and exploitative practices in this sector of the economy against consumers,” he said.

Nadah explained that the FCCPC acted in line with Section 154 of the FCCPC Act after the companies allegedly failed to comply with directives issued by the commission.

He disclosed that in one of the cases, consumers paid for properties that were not delivered, while in another instance, the commission had ordered a refund to a consumer after reviewing the matter, but the directive was allegedly ignored.

“Both entities are real estate companies. They sell land, they build, and they also manage these properties,” he said.

He further stated that Section 150(4) of the FCCPC Act empowers the commission to seal business premises where there is non-compliance with a compliance notice.

According to him, engagements had been ongoing with one of the companies since June last year, but the firm still failed to comply with the commission’s directives.
Asked whether prosecution could follow, Nada said: “It’s possible.”

On conditions for reopening the sealed premises, he stressed that the minimum requirement remained “compliance.”

He also advised consumers to exercise caution when dealing with real estate firms.

“We will keep saying consumers should read the small prints. They should read everything as has been offered and provided for. If they are not sure, they should get advice before going into businesses,” he said.

He added that the FCCPC would continue to protect and promote consumer interests across the country.