The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the media to enhance consumer protection in Nigeria. The commission's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, made this call while receiving executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) at the FCCPC headquarters in Abuja. Bello recognized the importance of equipping journalists with the knowledge required to properly report competition and consumer protection issues.
Bello noted that competition reporting is a relatively new area in Nigeria, and the FCCPC would consider CICAN's request for training and further engagement. He assured the association that its request would receive due consideration and be followed up appropriately. The FCCPC boss also highlighted the role of the media in increasing public awareness of the commission and its activities, saying sustained media coverage had helped Nigerians become more familiar with the agency.
The FCCPC has recently supported a training programme for judges through the National Judicial Institute to deepen their understanding of competition-related matters. Bello disclosed that the commission recognized the need for stakeholder education, particularly in the area of competition law and consumer protection regulation, which is relatively new in Nigeria. The training programme for judges was aimed at addressing the lack of familiarity with competition-related matters.
Bello credited journalists with helping to raise the public profile of the FCCPC, noting that many Nigerians were largely unaware of the commission until recent years. He said the media had given the FCCPC significant publicity, often giving its statements front-page treatment. The FCCPC boss reaffirmed the commission's commitment to supporting stakeholders within its available resources.
The Abuja Chairman of CICAN, Gabriel Kuma, said the association remained committed to constructive journalism and stronger engagement with regulatory institutions. Kuma emphasized the importance of a professional relationship between regulators and the media, built around openness, accountability, and access to accurate information. He said CICAN was open to constructive reporting that holds institutions accountable.
CICAN will mark its 20th anniversary with a national dialogue on the Federal Government's $1 trillion economy agenda. The event, scheduled for October 20, 2026, will bring together policymakers, regulators, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to examine how Nigeria can accelerate economic growth. The dialogue will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss policies, reforms, investments, and partnerships required to drive industrialization and strengthen Nigeria's global economic competitiveness.
The FCCPC is funded majorly from its internally generated revenue, which is used to support its operations, including litigation, staff welfare, and regulatory activities. The commission's collaboration with the media and other stakeholders is crucial in achieving its mandate of protecting consumers and promoting fair competition in Nigeria. The FCCPC's efforts to engage with the media and other stakeholders are expected to continue in the future.
Key points
- FCCPC seeks stronger media collaboration to enhance consumer protection in Nigeria.
- The commission recognizes the importance of equipping journalists with knowledge on competition and consumer protection issues.
- CICAN to mark 20th anniversary with national dialogue on Nigeria's $1 trillion economy agenda.
