Tag: FCCPC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday inaugurated “Don’t Burn Their Future” campaign to safeguard the health and future of Nigeria’s youths.

The initiative addresses the alarming rise in young and underage access to tobacco products and aims to curb the detrimental impact on society.

Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi who gave the keynote remark at the launch in Lagos emphasized the dynamic nature of sound health, which encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. The campaign underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth.

He highlighted the grave risks associated with youth tobacco use, ranging from impacts on brain development to respiratory issues and increased nicotine dependence. He revealed that 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users, with more than 26,800 annual deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases.

Dr. Abdullahi commended the proactive measures taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015. He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free environment and fulfilling international obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

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The campaign’s scope extends beyond warnings, featuring a collaborative approach with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to provide counseling services for those aiming to quit smoking. Toll-free lines have been established to bridge the gap to a smoke-free future, emphasizing support and follow-up.

Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health, noted that campaign by the FCCPC is in alignment with the national objective on tobacco control.

He explained that among other issues, tobacco is a major risk factor for non communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, cancers, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

He revealed that more than eight million deaths every year worldwide, with over seven million of these deaths occurring as a result of direct tobacco use while about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke.

Chairman Tobacco Control Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr.  Malau Toma, who represented the Minister highlighted the significant health and economic toll of tobacco consumption, reinforcing the need for a departure from irresponsible tobacco use.

The campaign received accolades from Chairman, National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC), Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, a multisectoral tobacco control committee established by law. She lauded the initiative for enhancing awareness of the need to protect the young from the harmful effects of tobacco.

In closing, immediate past EVC of the FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, stressed the duty to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco, highlighting that it is not just an event but a cause.

The “Don’t Burn Their Future” campaign sets the stage for a series of symposiums, lectures, hangouts, and meetings with young people nationwide, reinforcing the message for a tobacco-free future. The FCCPC calls on all stakeholders, including tobacco manufacturers, to join hands in this crucial endeavour.

The Presidency has clarified that the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, and the Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alexander Okoh were relieved of their duties and not dismissed. 

The Nation reports a statement signed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale titled ‘President Tinubu dismisses two chief executive officers’ on Monday had elicited mixed reactions from many especially social media platforms. 

Okoh was appointed BPE DG on April 13, 2017. 

Irukera was appointed DG of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in April 2017, but after the transition of CPC into the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in December 2019, he became the EVC.

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Ngelale had said Okoh and Irukera were “dismissed” due to plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the federal government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers.

In another terse release, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, to President Bola Tinubu, Tuesday night explained that the president’s directive did not intend a dismissal.

Reacting, Onanuga said: “I have followed the concerns in the media on the report that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed Babatunde Irukera  EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)  and Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).   

“The President’s directive did not intend a dismissal. The two men who have served our country were relieved of their duties by the President, as he scouts for their successors. 

“The connotations implied in using the word dismissal were clearly not intended in the statement issued. 

‘President Tinubu thanks the two men for their services and wishes them well in their future endeavours.”

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been awarded ‘Regulator of the Year’ by the Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN), a group of media specialists who cover the entire marketing industry and consumer related matters in the country.

This is for its conscious effort which has reset Nigeria’s market and reduced consumer abuse significantly.

At the association’s 11th Annual Brands & Marketing Conference and Awards, Chairman of the association, Clara Okoro, thanked the jurors for a good job. Okoro said FCCPC won because the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Babatunde Irukera, has put Nigeria on the world map, in consumer advocacy, rights protection, competition and global best practice.

She said: “ Thanks to the new leadership of FCCPC, particularly its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Irukera, who revitalised FCCPC and is worthy of commendation.

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“What I find most interesting is how the Commission has been able to gain mileage in protecting the rights of about 220 million people with very  meagre human and other resources, hence our decision to single-out the Commission and its CEO for the outstanding work. To me, Irukera and his team are silent achievers that must be commended and celebrated.”

Irukera, represented by the Head of Lagos Office, Mrs. Susie Onwuka, said: “This is humbling, and I appreciate the leadership of BJAN for considering FCCPC worthy of this recognition. I dedicate the award to my team at the Commission who share my dream and work round the clock. We want consumers to be respected and we want their rights protected. To me, this is a call to do more and we are not looking back.”

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukere has described the digital money lenders as criminals, considering the inhumane way they treat their creditors.

The EVC, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja, stated that digital money lending is not isolated to Nigeria alone, stating that Indians, Kenya, Brazil, and  Ghana are all struggling with money lenders.

Irukere explained that money lenders now complain that since the FCCPC descended on their businesses their collection and recovery rates have dropped, as consumers always remind them of the FCCPC closing their businesses. The mandate of FCCPC he noted is protecting consumers to preserve businesses.

He said, “It is easier to proscribe money lenders as criminals. They will be taken one at a time until the battle is won which is at the risk of the agency’s credibility. The focus of the agency is to ensure money lenders get their money back in an ethical and clear way, without threatening the lives of the borrowers”.

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He spoke on fake products saturating the market, adding that owners of these multinational companies should go all out to ensure these groups of people are stopped, “It is not everything that is left for regulatory agencies, of course, and the regulatory agencies have roles to play but the brand owners play the major role. They should invest in protecting their brand.

Irukere appealed to media organizations to partner with the agency in fighting for the soul of Nigeria. The makers of fake products are those who believe that the end justifies the means.

He said if Nigerian youths can be called out to go for voting, then society can be called out to stop doing the wrong things.