The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, has underscored the vital role of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian marketplace.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day Competition and Consumer Protection Law Conference held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja on Tuesday, the CJN highlighted that the Commission serves as a cornerstone of the nation’s regulatory architecture.
She noted that as markets become increasingly complex due to digital innovation and evolving corporate structures, the judiciary must remain well-versed in the dynamic field of competition law to effectively handle a growing number of market-related disputes.
”Continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange between regulators and the judiciary are indispensable,” the CJN stated, noting that effective interpretation and enforcement of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s business environment.
In his address, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, emphasized that the true impact of competition laws is ultimately determined in the courtroom.
He noted that the 2018 Competition and Consumer Protection Act provides a comprehensive framework for regulating anti-competitive conduct, protecting consumer welfare, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions.
Bello pointed out that as technological advancements and digital commerce reshape how businesses operate, courts are increasingly required to analyze sophisticated economic evidence and market data.
He advocated for a deeper understanding of these legal principles among regulators, the judiciary, and the business community to ensure a fair and competitive economy.
The conference, which focuses on the evolving challenges of market regulation, brought together an array of legal experts and policymakers, including Justices of the Court of Appeal, the Administrator of the NJI, and former leaders of the FCCPC.
The event serves as a platform for strengthening the collaborative relationship between the regulatory body and the bench, ensuring that market-related litigation is handled with expertise and clarity.