Reps Accuse Makers of Hypo, Harpic of Deceptive Adverts

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have been asked to appear before the House of Representatives to explain why there are “ineffective” hypo, harpic and others in the Nigerian market.

A lawmaker from Edo State, Mr Sergius Ose-Ogun, while moving a motion on Tuesday, alleged that these cleaning disinfectants were of “poor quality” but hoodwinked Nigerians into buying them through deceptive advertisements as in reality, consumers who bought them were disappointed as they didn’t get value for their money.

While speaking at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Mr Ose-Ogun expressed concerns  “that  toilet  cleaning  disinfectants  such  as  harpic  and  hypo  used  in  most  households  in  Nigeria are  ineffective, poor quality  and  leave  much to be  desired.”

He further said “despite the poor quality of these toilet cleaning disinfectants, there are several television sponsored advertisements that are misleading unsuspecting members of the public who rely on such adverts product information to make purchases.”

The lawmaker expressed alarm “that most Nigerians utilize these disinfectants in cleaning their homes, offices, hospitals, churches and mosques without getting the value for money spent in purchasing such products.”

Consequently, the House ordered an investigation to be concluded within four weeks, while the Committee on Legislative Compliance was directed to monitor the execution of the resolution.

They, thereafter, invited the Executive Vice-Chairman of FCCPC and the management of SON to “appear before the Committee on Commerce to justify the presence of harpic, hypo and other non-effective cleaning disinfectants in the market or otherwise.”