The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has highlighted the importance of sustained capacity building in competition reporting, describing it as a relatively new area in Nigeria that requires specialized knowledge. According to FCCPC's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, the Commission recognizes the need to strengthen the capacity of journalists covering competition and consumer protection issues.
Bello made these remarks while hosting the newly elected executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja. He was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Operations, Louis Odion. Bello noted that the relative novelty of competition law and consumer protection regulation in Nigeria has made stakeholder education a priority for the Commission.
The FCCPC has recently supported a training program for judges through the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to deepen understanding of competition-related matters. This is because members of the judiciary also require exposure to the nuances of the emerging field. Bello stressed that the media has a critical role in promoting public understanding of competition and consumer protection issues.
He commended commerce and industry journalists for helping to raise the profile of the Commission in recent years. Many Nigerians were largely unaware of the FCCPC's existence until recently, but growing public awareness of the Commission's activities is attributed to sustained media coverage. Bello appreciated the media for giving FCCPC's activities front-page treatment.
The FCCPC boss reiterated the Commission's commitment to supporting stakeholders within the limits of its resources. The agency funds much of its operations, including litigation, staff welfare, and regulatory activities, from internally generated revenue. He thanked CICAN for its support and assured members of continued collaboration in advancing consumer protection and competition advocacy in Nigeria.
Earlier, CICAN Abuja Chairman, Gabriel Kuma, reaffirmed the association's commitment to constructive journalism and stronger engagement with regulatory institutions, including the FCCPC. Kuma said CICAN remains committed to reporting and informing the public while holding institutions accountable. A strong regulatory environment thrives on a healthy relationship between regulators and the media.
Kuma urged the Commission to deepen its engagement with key stakeholders, particularly the media and the organized private sector, to enhance public understanding of competition and consumer protection issues. CICAN is prepared to play its part in that process, and Kuma assured the Commission of the association's support in promoting awareness of consumer rights, regulatory developments, and fair competition practices across the country.
Key points
- FCCPC emphasizes need for sustained capacity building in competition reporting
- Media plays critical role in promoting public understanding of competition and consumer protection issues
- CICAN commits to constructive journalism and stronger engagement with regulatory institutions
