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  • FCCPC, NCC sign MOU to address regulatory gaps in telecoms industry

    FCCPC, NCC sign MOU to address regulatory gaps in telecoms industry

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to eliminate regulatory gaps in the telecoms sector.

    During the MOU signing in Abuja, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, described the journey to this milestone as both challenging and rewarding, emphasizing that the partnership will benefit both operators and consumers.

    Bello explained that the principle behind overlapping regulations is to act as a mechanism to prevent issues from being overlooked, noting that regulations are often interwoven and overlapping by design.

    He said: “This explains the interwoven relationship between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It ensures that if one agency, due to certain limitations fails to identify or address a consumer issue or regulatory violation, the other agency, potentially with a different perspective, will be able to step in effectively.

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    “This highlights the importance of Section 105 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which explicitly provides for cooperation and collaboration between the FCCPC and sector regulators. This synergy is critical to ensuring comprehensive oversight and consumer protection without regulatory conflicts or duplications.”

    He applauded Dr Aminu Maida, Chairman NCC for the success of the MOU, stating that it is an achievement of a milestone, “we are also making life easier for the generality of consumers in dealing with two government agencies on the same issue at the same time’. 

    “This will foster harmonious collaboration between our organisations, streamline operations for telecoms operators through a one-stop-shop approach in many instances, and ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices.”

    Bello affirmed that the MOU signed with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision to foster economic growth through regulatory collaboration, enhanced market efficiency, and prioritizing consumer welfare. 

    He urged other sector regulators to follow this example, as mandated by Section 105 of the FCCPA, in order to ensure consumers across all sectors benefit from coordinated regulatory oversight.

    Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, expressed that the partnership is the result of fruitful engagements that have reinforced both institutions’ commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers, particularly within the communications sector.

    He emphasized that the two regulatory bodies are focused on advancing consumer welfare through fair competition and strong consumer protection frameworks. 

    In light of rapid technological advancements, Maida stressed the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies to ensure a fair and reliable telecommunications sector, which is critical for Nigeria’s economic and social development.

    Maida concluded that the MOU signifies the shared vision of creating a transparent, competitive, and consumer-centered telecommunications industry, fostering clarity and regulatory certainty for stakeholders, and furthering the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.

  • Exploitation: Airlines, telecos, banks, others still under probe, says FCCPC

    Exploitation: Airlines, telecos, banks, others still under probe, says FCCPC

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted the report that the Federal Government is not investigating erring airlines, telecommunication companies, banks, and other establishments found culpable in service exploitation.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission distanced itself from a news report, titled: “FG not investigating Air Peace – FCCPC.”

    The statement reads: “The referenced story, which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC, and we advise the public to disregard it in its entirety. The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release, dated December 1, 2024, which announced enquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

    “As stated, Air Peace is one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on specific domestic routes. These inquiries, being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.”

    Read Also: FCCPC engages GT Bank, MTN, Air Peace over possible violations

    The commission described the enquiries as structured engagements aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, improving transparency, and protecting consumer interests. The FCCPC reaffirmed that the enquiry into Air Peace had begun, as scheduled on December 3, and remained ongoing.

    The statement said the FCCPC was reviewing information and responses being provided by Air Peace and other entities under enquiry.

    The commission assured Nigerians that it would make appropriate determinations and take necessary actions to address identified violations.

    “We urge the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC,” it added.

  • FCCPC denies claims of halting investigations into Air Peace, other sectors

    FCCPC denies claims of halting investigations into Air Peace, other sectors

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted a false story attributed to the commission, claiming that the federal government is no longer investigating Air Peace, banks, telecommunications, and the aviation sector. 

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC categorically denied the story titled “FG not investigating Air Peace – FCCPC,” which has been circulating on some media platforms, particularly online.

    The statement read: “The referenced story, which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC, and we advise the public to disregard it in its entirety. The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated December 1, 2024, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors. 

    “As stated, Air Peace is one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for bookings on specific domestic routes. These inquiries, being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.”

    He emphasised that these inquiries are structured engagements aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, enhancing transparency, and protecting consumer interests. 

    The FCCPC reaffirmed that the inquiry into Air Peace, which began as scheduled on December 3, 2024, is ongoing.

    Ijagwu mentioned that the Commission is currently reviewing information and responses provided by Air Peace and other entities under inquiry. 

    He noted that the appropriate determinations will be made, and necessary actions will be taken to address any identified violations. 

    He urged the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC.

  • FCCPC engages GT Bank, MTN, Air Peace over possible violations

    FCCPC engages GT Bank, MTN, Air Peace over possible violations

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against leading players in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors. The inquisitions, which will begin from tomorrow, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

    In the banking sector, the FCCPC will engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.

    In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.

    Similarly, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.

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    These inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.

    The FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards. The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly.

    This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors.

    The FCCPC urged consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to it through its official channels.

    The FCCPC, responding to complaints, last month halted the Ikeja Electric and Eko Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) from forcing consumers whose meters were declared obsolete from paying an arbitrary sum for replacement.

  • FCCPC raises alarm over substandard sugar in markets

    FCCPC raises alarm over substandard sugar in markets

    Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it has uncovered the availability of substandard and unregistered sugar products in Nigerian markets, particularly smuggled brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean and Arapora Bionergia.

    The products, which failed to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification requirements, pose serious health risks to consumers, undermine the integrity of the local sugar industry, and contribute to price manipulation that harms the market.

    Acting on a tip-off, FCCPC operatives conducted discreet investigations across the country, particularly in the South-West and the North-East. The investigations revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked normal labeling, including production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and the mandatory National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration. Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being. The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

    The FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products. The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards. Importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine. This jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market. Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.

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    FCCPC wishes to reassure the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue.

    The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns. Nigerian consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.

    The FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies. These efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products.

    The FCCPC is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or unregistered sugar products to the FCCPC.

  • FCCPC warns against smuggled low-quality sugar in Nigerian markets

    FCCPC warns against smuggled low-quality sugar in Nigerian markets

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has raised an alarm over the influx of smuggled, low-quality sugar brands from Brazil, including Grupo Moreno, Terous, USI S. Joao, Alvean, and Arapora Bionergia, into Nigerian markets.

    According to the commission, these products fail to meet mandatory Vitamin A fortification standards, posing significant health risks to consumers. They also undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s local sugar industry and contribute to price manipulation, harming the market.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC disclosed that it conducted discreet investigations following a tip-off. 

    He said the investigations, focusing on the South-West and North-East regions, revealed that many of the identified sugar products lacked proper labeling, such as production and expiry dates, batch numbers, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration.

    The FCCPC’s actions align with Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116(2), 124, 125, 138, and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

    “Even more concerning, most of the products were not fortified with Vitamin A, a critical nutrient essential for good vision, immune health, and overall well-being. The absence of this fortification exposes Nigerian consumers to serious health risks, including blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

    “The FCCPC is also deeply concerned about the economic impact of these products. The influx of smuggled sugar undermines fair competition, placing undue pressure on compliant local producers who adhere to regulatory standards. Importers of these substandard products engage in price manipulation to the detriment of genuine producers and consumers, while pretending that the products are genuine”. 

    Ijagwu noted that, this jeopardises the sustainability of the Nigerian sugar industry and also erodes consumer trust in the market. Smuggling, facilitated through porous borders, particularly from neighboring countries such as Cameroun and Benin Republic, further complicates enforcement efforts and hampers traceability.

    Read Also: FCCPC: cartels behind high cost of chickens, eggs, drinks

    FCCPC wishes to reassure the general public that, consistent with the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, it is taking decisive steps to address this issue. The Commission is committed to educating consumers about the dangers of non-fortified and substandard sugar products through nationwide awareness campaigns. Nigerian consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of sugar products by ascertaining they carry proper labeling, including NAFDAC registration and evidence of Vitamin A fortification.

    The FCCPC is intensifying enforcement and surveillance in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant agencies. These efforts include enhanced surveillance and follow-up market inspections to disrupt the supply chain of smuggled sugar products. The commission  is also engaging with industry stakeholders to promote compliance with quality standards, protect local producers, and foster fair competition within the sugar market.

  • Deadline on meter: FCCPC talks tough, anxiety grips consumers

    Deadline on meter: FCCPC talks tough, anxiety grips consumers

    A battle line may have been drawn between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and electricity distribution companies (DisCos) over the phase out of obsolete meters whose deadline ends today.

    While the Ikeja Electric (IE) has insisted on the phasing out of such meters and asking consumers to pay between N134, 000 and N234, 000 for replacement of such meters, the FCCPC on the other hand warned of dire consequences for the utility should it infringe on consumers’ rights.

    With the deadline kicking in today, several consumers have expressed concerns over what lies ahead. This is because should the DisCos, particularly IE, go ahead with their threat of disconnecting affected consumers or placing them on estimated billing, then a chaotic situation may be in the offing. 

    A consumer in Ikorodu on the platform of the IE, Afolabi Johnson, said he had to hurriedly load energy token on his Unistar meter to beat the deadline. He is however worried about what happens next when the loaded token is exhausted.

    “Where does Ikeja Electric expect me to get N224,000 to replace my meter? he queried, saying : “I paid for the meter they now call obsolete and I shouldn’t be made to pay again for the same item.”

    But perhaps hearing the pleas of consumers like Johnson, the FCCPC yesterday warned Discos of dire consequences should they go ahead to disconnect consumers from electricity, or place them on estimated billings.

    Read Also: FCCPC: cartels behind high cost of chickens, eggs, drinks

    The Commission, which expressed dismay at the adamant posture of Ikeja Electric and Eko Electricity Distribution Companies (EKEDC), warned the utility against flouting its directive  by immediately applying brakes on all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters.

    FCCPC, in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, reminded the DisCos that the directive remains in full force and any attempt by the DisCos to contravene the directive will attract severe consequences.

    Citing Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, Ondaje said: “Contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by IE and EKEDC. The planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached our directives.

    “It is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal, or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).”

    Ijagwu explained that the order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer, including ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

    “The FCCPC’s position remains clear, non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated. Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws,” he said, calling on agrrieved consumers to reach the Commission on its dedicated line for electricity issues.

    Although the EKEDC may have beat a retreat on the replacement of meters, urging its customers to upgrade their meters to STS 2.0 instead, the same cannot be said of IE which has kept its customers in the dark.

    In an advisory, the EKEDC said: “Dear Valued Customer, Upgrade your meter to STS 2 for free! Visit kctcheck.ekedp.com, enter your meter details and click search to receive your 2 sets of 20-digit KCTS. Input them to complete the upgrade.”

    The IE has however remained silent on the matter, refusing to make any official statement. Several attempts to speak with the IE’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, proved abortive as his mobile number was “switched off”.

    But the industry regulator, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), agreed with the FCCPC, warning the DisCo to pull the brake.

    Sources close to the NERC informed The Nation that the Commission had earlier in the month written the IE and EKEDC, warning them of dire consequences should they proceed with the planned phase out of meters without making adequate provisions for consumers.

  • FCCPC: cartels behind high cost of chickens, eggs, drinks

    FCCPC: cartels behind high cost of chickens, eggs, drinks

    Cartels in the poultry and packaging industries manipulate the market to keep the prices of chickens, eggs and drinks high, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said.

    The commission expressed worry about the development, saying it was unpatriotic for the cartel to continue manipulating the market, despite the Federal Government’s various interventions.

    It said the core culprits were two big players in the poultry industry and five in the packaging sector.

    FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello, who spoke about the unethical practices at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, did not name the seven market manipulators.

    Bello told the stakeholders at the meeting, a continuation of FCCPC’s nationwide advocacy against exploitative pricing in the market, that the findings followed the commission’s extensive investigations.

    The agency boss said it was alarming that a day-old chick, which sold for between N480 and N590 some months back, had become N1,350.

    He added that a starter mash, which sold for N11,000 in October 2023, rose to N14,000 in January this year; N16,500 in March; N21,500 in July, and N23,500 this month.

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    Bello said: “Small poultry owners used to sell a day-old chick for between N480 and N590 and they still made a profit, but not after the arrival of two big players in the market. I choose to withhold their names at this point.

    “They (big players) brought in big money and expanded the market and, expectedly, they were soon in a position to control 80 to 90 per cent of the poultry market.

    “They used their clout and financial muscle to hijack the local poultry farmers’ association and now dictated that a day-old chick be sold at N1,350 in a curious reversal of the law of the economy of scale, which otherwise stipulates that the more you produce, the less the unit price.”

    In the last year, the FCCPC boss said, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security supported poultry farmers with broilers, vitamins, feeds, and cash through various interventions.

    According to him, the high prices of drinks in recyclable packs were substantially caused by “unfair pricing” dictated by a cartel in the packaging sector.

    Bello added: “The cartel in the packaging sector consists of five big players who are in the business of importing and providing local manufacturers with packaging materials.

    “They operate in a mafia-like fashion such that if you choose to leave one of them to check the price of the other, before you reach the next factory, the first seller would have tipped off the second seller to quote the same price.” 

    On why those engaged in such sharp practices have not been sanctioned, the agency boss said FCCPC chose dialogue as the first option “in the spirit of democracy,” instead of sanctions, as provided by law.

    He advised the business community in Akwa Ibom State to collaborate with the commission to curb exploitative pricing as well as sanitise the markets.

    The meeting was attended by MSME operators, market leaders, farmers, transporters, service providers, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

  • FCCPC working to address service disruption in banks

    FCCPC working to address service disruption in banks

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is actively working with relevant regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and stakeholders to address the disruption in the banking sector and ensure the protection of customers.

    In a statement signed by Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tunji Bello, banks and financial institutions should take swift action to restore services, prioritise customer support, and enhance communication to manage customer expectations transparently and responsibly.

    The FCCPA statement is as a result of constant disruption by banks, which has hindered customers from accessing their funds, making payments, and carrying out essential transactions.

    This disruption by my has negatively impacted millions and have serious implications for individuals and businesses alike.

    According to him:”Under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, bank customers have specific rights to guarantee fair and accountable service delivery. A key provision is the right to quality service, which mandates that all service providers, including banks, maintain acceptable levels of functionality and reliability.

    “When banks cannot maintain access to essential financial services, they are arguably failing to meet this standard, potentially leading to significant financial hardship, loss of trust in the banking system, and damage to the overall economy.

    “The FCCPA further grants consumers the right to reasonable access, goods and services—a principle that is compromised when technical failures impede customers’ access to their own funds. At a time when Nigeria’s economy is increasingly cashless, online banking is no longer a mere convenience but a necessity. Interruptions that impede consumers from engaging in transactions or accessing essential funds are not only an inconvenience, but they may also be a violation of this right.”

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    The EVC added that service providers are required to be transparent and communicate with customers in an open and accurate manner. During service disruption, it is essential that banks keep their customers fully informed about the causes, scope, and anticipated duration of any service issues. Regrettably, many consumers are left in the dark, a situation that increases frustration and leaves customers feeling unsupported.

    He also said that the FCCPA allows consumers to seek redress for services that do not meet the necessary standards. As such, bank customers can seek redress, if they are adversely affected by substandard services. The FCCPC is currently reviewing the situation to determine if consumers’ rights to redress are being upheld and if more action is needed to enforce accountability.

    The FCCPA is committed to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers and making certain that every service provider adheres to the statutory mandates provided in the FCCPA 2018 which is the violation of customers rights Pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

  • FCCPC reiterates commitment to protecting rights of Nigerians

    FCCPC reiterates commitment to protecting rights of Nigerians

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring the rights of Nigerians are protected particularly persons with disabilities.

    The Deputy Director, Consumer and Business Education, Nwafor Anthony, said this while speaking at a high-level policy roundtable on financial inclusion for Persons with Disabilities, organised by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) in Abuja.

    According to him, the Commission was already engaging in several campaigns aimed at drawing the need to ensure inclusivity and also provide an adequate environment for persons with special needs to access all sorts of services without any form of discrimination.

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    CADEF Executive Director, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, stressed the need to urgently address the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in accessing digital financial services.

    She said the meeting was organised so that stakeholders could brainstorm to come up with ideas to address the challenges which were both online and off line.

    She listed inadequate infrastructure and poor policy framework as the major causes of the challenges faced.

    According to her, key recommendations from this meeting will provide a framework that will guide future efforts in addressing the menace and ensuring that all persons with disabilities access the services without any form of stress and under the best possible conditions.

    Also speaking, Central Bank of Nigeria Assistant Director of its Consumer Protection Department Jamiu Rabiu said the apex bank was also ensuring that all financial institutions in the country abide by the necessary regulatory framework  and also enhance its digital services to include all persons with disabilities in both rural and urban settings.

    Some other organisations present at the event include the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Association of Nigeria, online financial institutions association of Nigeria, disability groups amongst others.