Consumer Gist

Consumer rights advocacy, communication, brand image and blogging. Helping consumers to choose on an informed basis.

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

Banks answerable to FCCPC, court rules

* Dismisses UBA’s suit, fined N2m

* It’s a big victory for bank customers, says Tunji Bello

Advocacy for consumer rights in the banking sector recorded a major boost today with a judgement by a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissing, in its entirety, a suit by UBA Plc seeking to contest the jurisdiction of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). 

In its ruling, presiding Justice James Omotosho affirmed the Commission’s statutory authority to investigate consumer complaints involving banks and other financial institutions.

In the suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, United Bank of Africa Plc sought to determine whether in light of Section 251 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended 2023) and Section 65(1)(a) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, the FCCPC could validly exercise jurisdiction over a commercial bank duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and over any of its functions, acts, financial products, or financial services.

In his judgement, Justice Omotosho considered Sections 251 (1) (d) of the Constitution and 65(1)(a) of BOFIA, which the plaintiff had relied upon to challenge the Commission’s jurisdiction, and upheld the authority of the FCCPC in competition and consumer protection matters in the financial sector.

Consequently, UBA plc was fined N2m for “bringing a frivolous and unmeritorious case against the defendant”. 

With respect to receiving and investigating Consumer complaints, the Court stressed that there is no other agency in Nigeria saddled with this responsibility except the FCCPC.

“No portion of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act gives such powers to the Central Bank of Nigeria, nor does the Central Bank of Nigeria Act,” said Justice Omotosho. 

“The FCCPC (Defendant) is therefore the proper agency to investigate such consumer complaints,” the judge held. 

He therefore held that the FCCPC “is vested with statutory powers to inquire into Consumer Protection issues involving customers and banks.” 

Justice Omotosho cited Sections 1, 2, 17(e) and 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA), relating to the objectives, scope, investigative powers and application of the Commission’s mandate in matters concerning competition and consumer protection.

Section 104 of the FCCPC Act states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law but subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in all matters relating to competition and consumer protection, the provisions of this Act shall override the provisions of any other law.” 

In a swift reaction, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment, describing it as “a significant milestone in our advocacy for bank customers who have for long endured unfair treatment.”

He said the judgment provides judicial guidance on the complementary relationship between sector regulation and the consumer protection framework established under the FCCPA.

Mr. Bello stated that the decision reinforces confidence that consumers in every sector of the economy, including financial services, are entitled to accessible channels for complaint resolution and lawful redress.

He noted that the judgment is also significant for businesses, as it clarifies that regulatory accountability and consumer confidence are mutually reinforcing pillars of a healthy market environment.

According to him, the Commission will continue to engage financial institutions and other service providers professionally, fairly, and in accordance with due process, while encouraging internal complaint resolution mechanisms that address consumer concerns promptly.

Ondaje Ijagwu
Director, Corporate Affairs
@NigeriaGov
@NGRSenate @HouseNGR

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

12 April 2026: 24 hours without electricity at Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja.

A Band B area meant to get 16 hours daily supply is in blackout, with no communication from @aedcelectricity

Consumers deserve service that matches the tariffs they pay. @NigeriaGov @NERCNG

[Pubity @pubity]

Italy has declared that Netflix's recent price hikes from 2017 to 2024 were illegal and enacted without proper warning for customers.

Netflix not only has to reduce its price in Italy, but pay customers back every cent they overpaid.

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity @BalogunBayo Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

@aedcelectricity Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

Band B customers are supposed to get up to 16-20 hours of electricity daily.

At Harmony Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, there has been 0 hours of supply from 3:30 PM (April 5) to 7:00 AM (April 6) and counting, not even a blink, no explanation, no communication from @aedcelectricity

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

Checking The Excesses Of MultiChoice

EDITORIAL -Leadership Newspaper

MultiChoice, the South African-owned and operated digital satellite television network, indulges in discriminatory practices against its Nigerian viewers

Read the entire article here:
https://t.co/0UBfxOTbuB

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

Uncover the Findings: Misleading Practices by Coca-Cola Nigeria & Nigerian Bottling Company

Can you tell the difference?

Do you know they are different products?

Original taste is full sugar, less sugar is artificial sweetener.

They are different, Coca- Cola doesn’t want you to know.

The report of FCCPC's investigation into Coca-Cola Nigeria & Nigerian Bottling Company's alleged misleading branding and anti-competitive practices is ready.

Click the link below to see the full report:

https://t.co/e2LUgYqLZK

@NigeriaGov @NGRSenate @house @TradeInvestNG @DrDorisAnite

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

WhatsApp's claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC's recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.

The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as "Meta Parties") for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR. These infringements included denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.

The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.

To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220 million.

The FCCPC's actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different.

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

"I have been well received and I am confident that I am in the midst of people who can accomplish more.

"We need to expand to the minds of Nigerians, they need to feel us. How can we be of assistance to the ordinary consumer? You need to assist the Commission to feel the pulse of the people.

"There is high inflation. Prices are high, some unavoidable while others are teleguided.

We need to do more market surveillance to assist our work."

Mr. Tunji Bello
Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO
At maiden meeting with FCCPC staff

@NigeriaGov @NGRSenate @HouseNGR

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

Investigation of Coca-Cola Nig Ltd and Nigerian Bottling Company Business Practices
@NigeriaGov @NGRSenate @HouseNGR

[WAACSP @waacsp]

Happy 57th birthday to our patron Mrs ‘Sola Salako Ajulo. [@purrples] 💃 💃 💃
:
Your deposits in consumer advocacy, patients and citizens rights are in trillions of whatever currency humanity can think of.
:
You are a legend, an icon, an enigma and a lovely chic 💋 💋

/1

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

This puported #UnitedBankforAfrica #UBA account is a #SCAM and fraudulent account. Avoid it.

But the question is why is @UBAGroup allowing this account to exist? Make a report to Twitter and bring down the account.

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

9 YEARS OF POWER SECTOR PRIVATISATION IN PERSPECTIVE:DISCOS ARE NOT TO BLAME; NERC IS THE MESS By Adeola Samuel
https://t.co/MLwACXFUXj

[Consumer Gist @ConsumerGist]

Silently achieving a crucial mandate at FCCPC, By Adebisi Adeyemi
https://t.co/RnuUh4A9WV

[FCCPC Nigeria @fccpcnigeria]

FCCPC Prosecutes H-Medix, Faxx Stores, Ebeano Supermarket & Bakan Gizo Pharmacy over alleged price gouging.

At 1st sitting today at FHC, relevant argument on jurisdiction resolved & FHC proceeding with case against defendants. Further hearing adjourned to 25/6/20.