Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Tuesday praised the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as a critical safeguard against anti-competitive practices, market distortions, and consumer rights abuse.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day Competition and Consumer Protection Law Conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the commission’s role in promoting fair, transparent, and efficient markets that drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.
“The FCCPC protects individuals from exploitative practices across sectors including finance, telecommunications, transportation, energy, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals,” she said.
She stressed the importance of continuous engagement between regulatory institutions and the judiciary to ensure effective enforcement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
The CJN also noted emerging legal challenges in consumer protection, including greenwashing, digital market disputes, and collective consumer redress, which are likely to increase judicial caseloads.
She recommended expanded use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) to reduce court burdens and improve access to justice.
Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, said judicial oversight is crucial for interpreting regulatory powers, shaping market behaviour, and protecting Nigerian consumers.
He highlighted that modern markets’ complexity demands that courts integrate economic evidence and expert testimony when adjudicating competition and consumer protection disputes.
“Clear and principled jurisprudence in this field strengthens investor confidence, sustains regulatory legitimacy, and ensures consumer welfare,” Bello added.
