The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has been named Government Agency of the Year 2025 at the 18th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held in Abuja.
This recognition highlights the Commission’s growing enforcement activities, improved consumer redress mechanisms, and significant regulatory actions across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
The award ceremony took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, under the theme:
“Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria.”
The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, regulators, and development experts to discuss governance, economic reforms, and development strategies amid global uncertainties.
Why FCCPC Was Recognised
According to the organisers of the Leadership Awards, the FCCPC earned the Government Agency of the Year title due to its:
- Strong regulatory oversight of digital lending operations
- Expansion of consumer complaint channels nationwide
- Deployment of internal case-tracking systems to improve transparency and efficiency
- Enforcement actions leading to monetary recoveries and consumer refunds
- Regulatory actions in aviation, telecommunications, digital finance, and consumer goods sectors
The citation presented during the ceremony emphasised the Commission’s proactive approach in protecting consumers while promoting fair competition across industries.
Leadership Newspapers described the FCCPC’s recent interventions as “impact-driven and reform-oriented,” noting that the agency has become more visible in addressing consumer rights violations and anti-competitive practices.
Strengthening Consumer Protection in Nigeria
The FCCPC operates under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which empowers it to:
- Investigate anti-competitive conduct
- Prevent monopolistic and unfair business behaviour
- Sanction misleading advertising and unfair trade practices
- Facilitate consumer redress and refunds
- Promote fair competition across markets
In recent years, the Commission has intensified its enforcement efforts, especially in fast-evolving sectors like digital lending and e-commerce.
Digital Lending Oversight
One visible area of FCCPC's intervention has been in digital lending.
With the rapid rise of mobile loan apps in Nigeria, concerns grew over:
- Harassment of borrowers
- Unlawful data privacy violations
- Defamation tactics
- Excessive interest charges
The FCCPC responded with investigations, regulatory guidance, and penalties against non-compliant operators. The Commission also set up registration and compliance requirements for digital lenders, ensuring that only approved and ethical operators work in Nigeria.
Expansion of Consumer Complaint Channels
The Leadership Award citation also noted the Commission’s deliberate expansion of consumer complaint mechanisms.
The FCCPC has:
- Strengthened its online complaint portal
- Improved email and hotline responsiveness
- Established regional offices
- Speeded up dispute resolution timelines
By increasing access to complaint channels, the Commission has made it easier for Nigerians to report unfair treatment and seek redress.
In recent enforcement cycles, the agency helped recover money and issued consumer refunds across various sectors, including:
- Aviation (for ticket refund disputes)
- Telecommunications (for billing discrepancies)
- Consumer goods (for misleading advertising and defective products)
- Financial services (for exploitative lending practices)
Technology-Driven Regulatory Reform
A key factor in the FCCPC’s recognition was its internal reform agenda, particularly the implementation of case-tracking systems to improve transparency and efficiency.
The Commission has digitised parts of its investigative workflow, allowing for:
- Faster case resolution
- Better documentation
- Improved monitoring of enforcement actions
- Transparent reporting mechanisms
Observers say this strengthening has increased public trust in the Commission’s work.
Leadership Remarks: Tunji Bello Reacts
On receiving the award, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, described this recognition as a collective achievement.
He stated that the award reflects:
“The dedication, professionalism, and coordinated efforts of FCCPC staff nationwide.”
Mr. Bello underscored that the Commission remains focused on enhancing enforcement frameworks and protecting Nigerian consumers from unfair practices.
According to him, this recognition reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to:
- Promote fair competition
- Protect consumer rights
- Address emerging risks in digital finance and e-commerce
- Strengthen institutional accountability
He also noted that in a complex economic environment, regulatory vigilance is crucial for maintaining market integrity.
Award Presentation
Zainab Nda-Isaiah, Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, presented the award. She praised the FCCPC for its proactive and reform-oriented regulatory approach.
Mr. Tunji Bello accepted the award on behalf of the Commission.
Others present included:
- Mr. Louis Odion, Executive Commissioner, Operations
- The Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services
- Senior officials of the Commission
- Government representatives
- Private sector stakeholders
The Bigger Picture: Political Stability and Economic Reform
The conference theme, “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System,” aligns closely with the FCCPC’s mission.
In unstable global economic conditions, strong regulatory institutions are vital for:
- Protecting vulnerable consumers
- Ensuring competitive markets
- Preventing unfair practices
- Supporting sustainable economic growth
Analysts believe that regulatory certainty significantly boosts investor confidence and long-term development.
By enforcing fair competition laws and addressing market distortions, the FCCPC contributes to broader economic stability.
FCCPC’s Enforcement Record in Recent Years
In recent years, the Commission has taken decisive action in several high-profile cases involving:
1. Anti-Competitive Conduct
Investigations into companies accused of collusion, price-fixing, or abuse of market dominance.
2. Misleading Advertising
Penalties against firms for false product claims or deceptive promotions.
3. Aviation Sector Disputes
Ensuring passengers receive refunds for cancelled or delayed flights.
4. Telecommunications Complaints
Addressing issues related to billing irregularities and service failures.
5. Consumer Goods Regulation
Crackdowns on substandard products and misleading packaging.
These actions show the Commission’s increasing assertiveness in enforcing Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws.
Digital Economy and Emerging Risks
Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow rapidly, with expansions in:
- Fintech
- E-commerce
- Online marketplaces
- Digital lending
- Cryptocurrency-related services
With this growth come regulatory challenges.
Mr. Bello reiterated that the FCCPC is ready to tackle emerging risks, especially those affecting consumers in:
- Digital finance
- Cross-border online transactions
- Data privacy issues
- Algorithm-driven pricing systems
The Commission intends to adjust its regulatory tools to keep up with technological advancements.
Public Reaction and Institutional Impact
Policy analysts and consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the award, viewing it as a recognition of institutional reform and enforcement credibility.
Some experts believe this award may:
- Strengthen public trust in the Commission
- Encourage compliance among businesses
- Reinforce regulatory standards across sectors
- Promote responsible corporate behaviour
The FCCPC’s rising profile indicates a shift towards more active regulatory governance in Nigeria.
About the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards
The Leadership Annual Conference and Awards is one of Nigeria’s leading policy and governance events.
Now in its 18th edition, the conference gathers stakeholders from:
- Government
- Private sector
- Civil society
- Academia
- International development organisations
The awards segment recognises excellence in governance, public service, business leadership, and national development.
What This Means for Nigerian Consumers
For ordinary Nigerians, the award signals:
- Stronger enforcement against unfair practices
- Improved access to consumer complaint mechanisms
- Greater accountability in digital lending
- Better protection in telecommunications and aviation services
Consumer protection experts stress that sustained enforcement will be crucial for maintaining momentum.
The FCCPC plans to continue using its legal powers under the FCCPA 2018 to:
- Investigate market abuses
- Promote fair competition
- Protect vulnerable consumers
- Strengthen regulation of digital markets
As Nigeria manages economic reforms and global uncertainties, regulatory bodies like the FCCPC are expected to play a key role in ensuring market fairness.
Naming the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission as Government Agency of the Year 2025 marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s regulatory landscape.
From overseeing digital lending to managing aviation refunds, and addressing disputes in telecommunications and anti-competitive investigations, the Commission’s growing presence reflects a broader commitment to accountability and consumer protection.
As regulatory challenges evolve in the digital age, the FCCPC's recognition at the Leadership Annual Conference highlights its achievements while reinforcing its duty to keep Nigeria’s markets fair, competitive, and focused on consumers.