FCCPC hails court rulings upholding consumer rights

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has lauded recent court rulings that upheld consumer rights and strengthened accountability among service providers in Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr Tunji Bello, in a statement on Monday signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the judgments demonstrated the strength of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
He said the Act empowers consumers to seek redress and compels service providers to meet lawful standards of fair service delivery.
Bello commended the Lagos and Enugu High Courts for their verdicts against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit Limited, describing them as victories for fairness and justice.
In Lagos, Justice R. O. Olukolu ordered Multichoice to pay N5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr Ben Onuora, for the unlawful disconnection of his active subscription despite verified payment.
The court directed the immediate reconnection of the service and an extension to cover the disconnection period, citing sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the FCCPA.
Similarly, in Enugu, Justice C. O. Ajah declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy illegal and void under sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the FCCPA.
The company was ordered to pay N500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.
Bello praised the consumers for pursuing justice through lawful means rather than resorting to self-help, adding that the courts’ decisions reaffirm the judiciary’s readiness to protect consumer interests.
He revealed that between March and August 2025, the Commission facilitated recoveries of over N10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors.
According to him, consistent judicial enforcement complements the FCCPC’s regulatory work and sends a clear message that violations of consumer rights attract real consequences.
Bello urged Nigerians to continue reporting unfair practices through the Commission’s complaint portal, email, or offices nationwide.
He reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to promoting fair competition, safeguarding consumer rights, and ensuring service accountability across all sectors.