The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has addressed some misconceptions about its role, emphasizing its statutory authority to regulate competition and protect consumer rights across all sectors in Nigeria.
At a World Consumer Day 2025 event in Abuja with the topic “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, clarified misconceptions about the commission’s role.
He pointed out that the public has been misinformed as a result of some media pundits` wrong interpretations of the law.
“Allow me to quickly respond to a very concerning trend, which is what I consider the misconception of the role of FCCPC in some quarters,” Bello stated.
“I observe this tendency among some of our commentators in the media space who misunderstand the provisions of the law and inadvertently mislead the public.”
Bello referenced Sections 17 and 18 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which grant the FCCPC the authority to oversee competition and consumer protection nationwide.
He emphasized that this mandate aligns with global best practices and has been affirmed by a competent court.
“The law charges the FCCPC to champion the rights of consumers of goods and services in Nigeria,” he asserted. “It is, therefore, very disturbing to hear or read parochial arguments of those who, out of ignorance of the law, seek to erect walls of sophistry against FCCPC in its discharge of this clear mandate.”
Bello explained that rather than acting as a board that sets prices, the commission steps in when market practices obstruct fair competition or when consumer rights are violated.
He added, “When you book a flight, you are paying for a service. If the airline fails to deliver the service paid for and you file a complaint with us, we are mandated by law to champion your cause. Our inquiry under such circumstances pertains to consumer issues, not technical aspects of the aviation sector.”
In cases involving substandard products, the FCCPC’s intervention focuses on the rights of consumers who have spent their hard-earned money in expectation of a remedy, rather than delving into the technical composition of the product.
Bello emphasized that the commission’s actions are guided solely by the pursuit of public interest. He called on all patriots to join the crusade to protect consumers and ensure a fair and safe market in Nigeria.
Addressing global challenges, Bello noted that many countries are grappling with inflation traced to economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, which has affected global food supply chains.
He emphasized the importance of reconsidering decisions and creating innovative approaches to adjust to these circumstances.
Looking ahead, Bello acknowledged the global shift towards a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. He emphasized that sustainability should be a right for all, not a privilege for a few, and that a just transition involves making sustainable products and services affordable, accessible, and fair.
Many Nigerians Don’t Understand Our Mandate- FCCPC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
