THE Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has hailed recent judicial decisions reinforcing consumer rights across the country, describing the judgments as a major boost for consumer protection and accountability in Nigeria’s marketplace.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Tunji Bello, commended the courts for delivering rulings that affirm the enforceability of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and encourage consumers to seek lawful redress when their rights are violated.
One of the landmark rulings came from the Lagos High Court, where Justice R. O. Olukolu awarded ₦5 million in general damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, after Multichoice Nigeria Limited wrongfully disconnected his active subscription.
The Court held that the cable TV provider acted unlawfully by cutting access to the service despite confirmed payment, causing undue inconvenience to the subscriber and his household.
In a separate case, the Enugu High Court, presided over by Justice C. O. Ajah, declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy illegal and void. The court ruled that the policy violated Sections 120, 104 and 129(1) of the FCCPA, which guarantee consumers the right to refunds when services are not rendered.
Peace Mass Transit was ordered to pay ₦500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr. Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after his trip was not completed.
“These judgments demonstrate the robustness of the FCCPA and the judiciary’s readiness to uphold consumer rights,” Bello said.
He praised the affected consumers for pursuing justice through lawful channels rather than resorting to confrontation or social outrage, adding that the Commission provides multiple mechanisms for filing complaints, including a digital reporting portal, email channels, and physical offices nationwide.
Bello also disclosed that between March and August 2025, the FCCPC facilitated recoveries of more than ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors of the economy, a development he described as evidence of an increasingly effective consumer protection system.
“The consistent judicial enforcement complements the Commission’s regulatory work and sends a clear message that violations of consumer rights carry real consequences,” he said.
He urged consumers to continue reporting unfair practices and assured them that the Commission remains committed to promoting fair competition, improving service standards, and protecting consumers across all sectors.
The FCCPC, established under the FCCPA 2018, is Nigeria’s primary agency responsible for consumer protection and competition regulation. It works to ensure transparent markets, prevent exploitation, and enforce accountability among businesses and service providers.
