FCCPC Seeks Stronger Media Collaboration on Consumer Protection

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for stronger and sustained collaboration with the media to improve public awareness of consumer rights and competition issues in Nigeria.

The commission made the call when executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) visited its headquarters in Abuja.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Operations, Louis Odion, said specialised reporting on competition and consumer protection required continuous capacity building for journalists.

Bello acknowledged that competition reporting remained relatively new in Nigeria and said journalists needed a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework to accurately report developments affecting businesses and consumers.

He said the commission would consider CICAN’s request for training and further engagement, stressing that educating stakeholders was important because competition law and consumer protection regulation were still developing areas in the country.

The FCCPC chief also highlighted the important role played by the media in increasing public knowledge of the commission and its activities.

According to him, sustained media coverage has helped more Nigerians become familiar with the agency and understand issues concerning consumer protection and fair competition.

He noted that the commission had also supported capacity building beyond the media, including a recent training programme for judges through the National Judicial Institute to improve understanding of competition-related matters.

Earlier, CICAN Abuja Chairman Gabriel Kuma said the association remained committed to constructive journalism and stronger engagement with regulatory institutions.

Kuma said effective regulation required a professional relationship between regulators and journalists, based on openness, accountability, mutual respect and access to accurate information.

He assured the commission that journalists would continue to support efforts aimed at educating Nigerians about consumer rights, regulatory developments and fair competition.

The engagement comes as the FCCPC continues efforts to strengthen consumer protection and deepen awareness of Nigerians’ rights in the marketplace.

The commission said continued collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, remained essential to achieving these objectives.