The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has emphasized the importance of sustained capacity building in competition reporting, describing it as a relatively new area in Nigeria that requires specialized knowledge among journalists, regulators, and other stakeholders. This call was made while hosting the newly elected executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja.
The Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Operations, Louis Odion, acknowledged that reporting on competition is new to Nigeria. He assured CICAN that their request for training and engagement would receive due consideration and be followed up appropriately. The FCCPC recognizes the importance of strengthening the capacity of journalists covering competition and consumer protection issues.
According to Bello, the relative novelty of competition law and consumer protection regulation in Nigeria has made stakeholder education a priority for the commission. The FCCPC recently supported a training program for judges through the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to deepen understanding of competition-related matters. Members of the judiciary also require exposure to the nuances of this emerging field.
Bello stressed that the media plays 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 FCCPC in recent years. Many Nigerians were largely unaware of the FCCPC's existence until recently, attributing growing public awareness to sustained media coverage.
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. Bello appreciated the media for giving FCCPC front-page treatment when they issue statements.
Earlier, CICAN Abuja Chairman, Gabriel Kuma, reaffirmed the association's commitment to constructive journalism and stronger engagement with regulatory institutions, including the FCCPC. He 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.
Kuma emphasized the importance of a strong regulator-media relationship built on openness, professionalism, mutual respect, and access to accurate information. The FCCPC and CICAN are expected to collaborate to promote public understanding of competition and consumer protection issues in Nigeria.
Key points
- FCCPC seeks specialized training for journalists on competition reporting.
- The commission recognizes the importance of stakeholder education in competition law and consumer protection regulation.
- Media plays a critical role in promoting public understanding of competition and consumer protection issues.
