The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, has addressed misconceptions about the commission’s role in society.
Speaking at a seminar in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Consumer Day, themed “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” Bello noted that some media commentators have misinterpreted the law, thereby misleading the public about the FCCPC’s mandate.
According to him, “Permit me to briefly respond to a very concerning trend, which is the misconception of the FCCPC’s role. Some commentators in the media space misunderstand the provisions of the law and inadvertently mislead the public.
“To be sure, Sections 17 and 18 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 expressly vest the Commission with the statutory authority to regulate competition and consumer protection across all sectors in our national life, consistent with global best practices.
“This notion was recently affirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction. The FCCPC is charged with championing the rights of consumers of goods and services in Nigeria. It is, therefore, disturbing to hear parochial arguments from those who, out of ignorance of the law, seek to undermine the Commission’s mandate. The FCCPC has never claimed to be a price control board.”
Bello emphasised that the FCCPC intervenes when consumer rights are breached or when market manipulation impedes fair competition.
“For instance, when a consumer books a flight and the airline fails to deliver the paid service, our intervention is based on consumer rights, not technical aviation issues. Similarly, when a substandard product is reported, we do not investigate its pharmaceutical composition but the rights of the consumer who paid for it in expectation of a remedy.
“When consumers are exploited by service providers, it is our responsibility to intervene. The Commission’s single commitment remains the pursuit of public interest.”
He called on all stakeholders to support consumer protection efforts, noting that inflationary pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, have made consumer advocacy more critical.
“Looking ahead, the world is transitioning towards sustainability. A just transition means making sustainable products and services affordable and accessible to all consumers while ensuring that businesses uphold responsible practices.
“As we mark World Consumer Day 2025, the FCCPC remains committed to its mandate of promoting and protecting consumer interests by ensuring fair competition and ethical business practices. This includes empowering consumers with accurate information, holding businesses accountable for ethical standards, and fostering innovation in sustainable products and services.”
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