FCCPC Pushes for Enhanced Media Collaboration on Consumer Protection — full story

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has underscored the necessity for continuous skill development among journalists reporting on competition and consumer rights, noting that this specialized reporting area is still relatively nascent in Nigeria. This assertion was made by the commission's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Tunji Bello, during a meeting with executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) at the FCCPC's Abuja headquarters.

A statement released on Sunday detailed that Bello, whose address was delivered by Louis Odion, the Executive Commissioner for Operations, acknowledged the vital role of equipping media practitioners with the necessary understanding to accurately cover issues related to competition and consumer welfare. He indicated that the FCCPC would give serious consideration to CICAN's request for training and further engagement sessions.

"Competition reporting is indeed new in our jurisdiction," Bello remarked through Odion, reassuring the association that their proposals for capacity building and interaction would be thoroughly reviewed and acted upon. He further explained that the relative newness of competition legislation and consumer protection regulations in Nigeria has elevated stakeholder education to a primary focus for the commission.

In line with this, the FCCPC boss revealed that the commission recently sponsored a training initiative for judges, facilitated through the National Judicial Institute. This programme aimed to deepen judicial officers' comprehension of competition-related matters. "We recognised that because it is a new terrain, the judges themselves are not familiar with the nuances. So we brought in competition experts," Bello stated.

Furthermore, Bello emphasized the crucial part the media plays in raising public awareness about the commission and its operations. He credited sustained media coverage for helping Nigerians become more acquainted with the agency. He noted that many Nigerians were largely unfamiliar with the FCCPC until recent years, attributing the increase in its public profile to journalists. "If FCCPC is becoming more known to the public, it is as a result of the kind of publicity you have given us," Bello affirmed. "When something happens here, and we issue a statement, it often receives front-page treatment, and we do not take that for granted."

He also reiterated the FCCPC's dedication to supporting stakeholders within its available resources, highlighting that the agency finances significant aspects of its activities, including legal proceedings, staff welfare, and regulatory functions, using internally generated revenue.

Earlier in the meeting, Gabriel Kuma, the Abuja Chairman of CICAN, articulated the association's commitment to responsible journalism and fostering stronger relationships with regulatory bodies. Kuma stressed that effective regulation necessitates a professional rapport between regulators and the media, founded on transparency, accountability, and access to precise information. "We are open to constructive reporting that holds institutions accountable. We believe that a strong regulator should have a strong media relationship, one built on openness, professionalism, mutual respect and access to accurate information. Where you need the support of the media in educating Nigerians, explaining important regulatory developments or creating greater awareness about consumer rights and fair competition, you can count on CICAN," Kuma assured.

In other news, CICAN is set to commemorate its 20th anniversary with a national dialogue focusing on the Federal Government's ambitious $1 trillion economy agenda. This event will gather policymakers, regulators, investors, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating Nigeria's economic expansion. The dialogue, themed "FG’s $1 Trillion Economy: Role of Policy Makers, Stakeholders and Media in Its Actualisation," is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Barcelona Hotel in Abuja. The anniversary committee stated that the forum would serve as a platform for examining the policies, reforms, investments, and collaborations essential for driving industrialization, boosting trade, attracting investment, enhancing productivity, and strengthening Nigeria's global economic standing.