The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called for stronger judicial engagement in the enforcement and interpretation of Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws as markets become more complex and disputes involving economic regulation increase.
Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of a strategic judicial training programme on competition and consumer protection law organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in collaboration with the FCCPC.
The training programme brought together judicial officers, regulators, legal practitioners, scholars and other stakeholders to deepen understanding of legal and economic issues arising from the implementation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
Speaking at the event, Bello said competition and consumer protection law often finds its most practical expression in the courtroom, where legal principles governing market conduct are interpreted and applied.
According to him, the evolving nature of modern markets, driven by technological innovation, digital commerce and increasingly complex corporate structures, has created new legal questions relating to market dominance, restrictive agreements, price fixing and unfair trade practices.
“In recent years, regulators and courts in Nigeria have encountered a growing number of disputes arising from evolving market practices across several sectors of the economy. Many of these matters involve complex factual records, economic evidence and questions concerning the interaction between general competition law and sector-specific regulatory frameworks.
“As these cases increasingly come before the courts, judicial interpretation plays an important role in shaping the evolving jurisprudence that governs market conduct and consumer protection in Nigeria,” Bello said.
He noted that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act established the FCCPC as the country’s primary authority for promoting fair competition and protecting consumer welfare.
The Act, he explained, introduced a comprehensive national regime covering anti-competitive conduct, consumer protection, mergers and acquisitions review, and market surveillance.
Bello commended the National Judicial Institute for partnering with the Commission to organise the programme, noting that continuous judicial education is critical to ensuring that courts are well equipped to address the complex legal and economic issues that arise in competition cases.
He said constructive engagement between regulatory institutions and the judiciary would help ensure that regulatory enforcement and judicial interpretation evolve in a manner that is legally sound and responsive to the realities of modern markets.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, competition law frequently requires courts to consider detailed economic evidence, market structures and evolving business practices. Courts are often required to assess expert testimony, economic analysis and market data in determining whether particular conduct restricts competition or harms consumer welfare.
“It is therefore important that judicial officers remain well equipped to approach these issues with clarity and confidence. Programmes such as this provide an opportunity to strengthen institutional understanding of the legal and economic principles that underpin competition and consumer protection law,” he added
According to him, regulatory authorities operate at the frontline of market monitoring, investigation and administrative enforcement, while the judiciary provides authoritative interpretation of statutory provisions and resolves disputes arising from regulatory actions.
Also speaking, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, described the training as an important step toward strengthening judicial capacity in areas of law that are becoming increasingly significant for economic governance and public welfare.
She noted that the FCCPC occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s regulatory framework as the statutory authority responsible for enforcing competition and consumer protection laws.
According to the Chief Justice, the Commission plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the marketplace by preventing anti-competitive practices, market distortions and unfair business conduct that undermine consumer confidence and economic stability.
“The competition mandate of the Commission is directed at promoting fair, transparent and efficient market structures that encourage innovation, productivity and sustainable economic growth.
“At the same time, its consumer protection mandate ensures that individuals are shielded from exploitative practices across critical sectors of the economy,” said
Kekere-Ekun added that competition and consumer protection law has become one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving areas of legal practice globally, noting that courts are increasingly confronted with complex disputes arising from modern market practices.
She said the design of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act also underscores the role of the judiciary, particularly as consumers are permitted to approach the courts directly in certain circumstances without first exhausting administrative remedies.
According to her, as enforcement of the Act expands, courts may witness an increase in the volume and complexity of cases involving competition and consumer protection disputes.
“Across jurisdictions, competition and consumer protection law has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic and litigated fields of legal practice. Contemporary developments illustrate the growing complexity of the field.
“From the increasing prevalence of greenwashing litigation, which exposes regulatory gaps in industries such as fashion, travel, and retail, to regulatory challenges within digital markets and the rising demand for collective consumer redress through class actions, the global legal landscape is undergoing a significant transformation.
“These developments have important implications for the judiciary. As the enforcement environment expands, courts may witness a substantial increase in the volume and complexity of cases arising from competition and consumer protection disputes. This, in turn, has the potential to exert additional pressure on already demanding judicial dockets,” She stated.
