FCCPC addresses public misunderstandings

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 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 commentators in the media have misinterpreted the law, thereby misleading the public about the FCCPC’s mandate.

He emphasised that this year’s theme is particularly relevant given the existential challenges facing humanity globally.

According to him, “Permit me to briefly respond to a very concerning trend. Which is what I consider the misconception of the role of FCCPC in some quarters. 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.

“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 which is consistent with global best practices.

“This notion was, in fact, recently affirmed by the court of competent jurisdiction. In one word, the law charges the FCCPC to champion the rights of consumers of goods and services in Nigeria. 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. The Commission has never claimed or pretended to be a price control board.”

He noted that the FCCPC gets involved when the rights of consumers are breached or when the market is being manipulated in a manner that impedes fair competition.

He said, “For instance, when you book a flight you are paying for a service. Assuming the affected airline fails to deliver the service paid for and you file a complaint with us, we are mandated by the law to champion your cause. Our inquiry under the circumstances has nothing to do with technical issues in the aviation section, but purely consumer issues.”

He also added that when the case of a substandard product is reported, there is of course consumer issue involved.

He added, “Our intervention in the circumstances is not inquiring into the pharmaceutical composition of the drug at issue, but the right of the patient who gave out his or her hard-earned money in expectation of a remedy. Similarly when consumers are being exploited by providers of services, it is our responsibility to intervene.

“I thought I should offer these clarifications for the education of members of the public, especially some commentators who write in ignorance. For the avoidance of doubt, let it be recognised that, in all of its actions, the Commission is guided by just one single commitment, and that is the pursuit of public interest.

“However, we recognize we cannot further this advocacy alone. Realising you and I are all consumers one way or the other, my clarion call today therefore is to all true patriots to join this crusade to protect the consumers and make the market fair and safe in Nigeria.

“Presently, most countries are contending with inflationary trend which has been traced to the economic disruption occasioned by COVID 19 of 2020.

Unfortunately, just before the COVID pains could heal came the Russian-Ukrainian war which brought fresh disruption to the global food supply chain, thus worsening the plight of consumers of goods and services.

“It is therefore a matter of necessity that we rethink our choices and fashion new coping strategy to adapt to new realities.

“Looking ahead, the world is undoubtedly moving towards a greener, more sustainable way of living. The overarching challenge is ensuring that no one is left behind. Sustainability should not be a privilege for a few, but a right for all. A just transition means making sustainable products and services affordable, accessible, and fair to consumers while ensuring that businesses and industries uphold responsible practices.

“As we celebrate the 2025 World Consumer Day, for us at the FCCPC, it is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to championing the interests of the Nigerian Consumers. By the FCCP Act of 2018, our mandate is clear. Which is the promotion and protection of the interests and welfare of consumers by ensuring fair competition and ethical business practices. In the context of a just transition.

“This means ensuring affordability and accessibility. That sustainable choices should not be expensive or difficult to access, they should be within the reach of all consumers. Empowering consumers by providing accurate information and raising awareness about the impact of their choices, so that they can make informed decisions.

“Holding businesses accountable by ensuring that industries comply with environmental and ethical standards while preventing deceptive marketing of so-called green products.

“This includes innovation and fair competition by encouraging businesses to develop sustainable products and services while ensuring a competitive market that benefits consumers.

“This also includes protecting vulnerable communities by ensuring that low-income groups are not disproportionately burdened by the costs of the transition to sustainability.”