The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has emphasized the need for increased training and professional development for journalists covering competition and consumer protection in Nigeria. The FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, made the call when the newly elected executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) visited the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Bello, the specialised beat of competition reporting is still relatively new in Nigeria, and therefore requires continuous sensitisation of stakeholders involved in the sector. He noted that the FCCPC was prepared to consider CICAN’s request for capacity-building programmes aimed at improving journalists’ understanding of competition-related issues.
The FCCPC has identified the judiciary as requiring greater exposure to competition law and recently supported a training programme for judges through the National Judicial Institute. Bello explained that the commission recognised the need for continuous education on competition law, especially for judges who are not familiar with its nuances.
Bello highlighted the importance of the media in educating Nigerians about competition, consumer rights and the activities of the FCCPC. He said sustained media coverage had contributed significantly to increased public awareness of the FCCPC, noting that the agency was not widely known among Nigerians when it began its activities.
The FCCPC chief executive also said the commission would continue to collaborate with stakeholders within the limits of available resources. He explained that the commission relied substantially on internally generated revenue to finance key aspects of its operations, including litigation, staff welfare and regulatory activities.
Earlier, the Chairman of CICAN’s Abuja chapter, Gabriel Kuma, said the association would continue to promote responsible journalism while maintaining constructive engagement with regulatory agencies. Kuma called on the FCCPC to expand its engagement with the media, organised private sector and other stakeholders to improve public understanding of competition and consumer protection.
Kuma assured the commission that CICAN would continue to support efforts aimed at educating Nigerians on consumer rights, regulatory developments and fair competition. He said the association was prepared to play its part in strengthening the commission’s impact through regular dialogue, improved public education, continuous capacity building and timely communication on major regulatory actions.
Key points
- FCCPC calls for increased training for journalists covering competition and consumer protection
- Media crucial in educating Nigerians about competition, consumer rights
- FCCPC, CICAN to collaborate on public awareness and education on competition law
