FCCPC and LASCOPA Enhance Consumer Protection in Nigeria

On Tuesday, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in Abuja. Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, stated that the partnership aims to address the urgent need for consumer protection at the state level, as consumer issues often require rapid intervention from local institutions.

Bello noted that consumer protection has evolved beyond a narrow regulatory function, impacting nearly every aspect of modern life, including transport, food, housing, healthcare, digital services, and financial transactions. The agreement is seen as a critical step towards improving consumer welfare and promoting fair business practices across Nigeria.

Bello also highlighted the need for coordinated regulatory responses to increasingly complex consumer complaints that span multiple jurisdictions. The FCCPC's mandate, established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, includes enforcing market surveillance and consumer complaint resolution.