FCCPC: Championing Consumer Rights

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is an organization that many Nigerians are unfamiliar with, yet it plays a crucial role in protecting consumer rights and promoting fair competition. The Commission was formed in 2018, following the passage of the FCCP Act in 2018, which expanded upon the earlier Consumers Protection Council (CPC) established in 1992.

The FCCPC's dual mandate includes both consumer protection and regulation of the Nigerian market, with the consumer protection mandate being the more demanding of the two.

Operating on a shoestring budget, the FCCPC receives hundreds of consumer complaints daily and employs a variety of methods to resolve these issues. This includes mediation, filing cases in court, and collaborating with other regulatory bodies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Manufacturers of Nigeria (MAN).

The FCCPC's Anti-Competitive Practices department handles cases involving violations of best practices in commercial undertakings, while its Legal Department brings in external lawyers to prosecute complex cases.

Despite the challenges faced by the FCCPC, the organization remains dedicated to upholding consumer rights and fighting against fake and substandard products. Chairman and CEO Tunji Bello emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and the Commission's commitment to holding violators accountable, even at a cost to themselves.