By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has applauded two recent court rulings in Lagos and Enugu that have reinforced the enforcement of consumer rights in Nigeria, describing them as landmark victories for fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, commended the Lagos High Court and the Enugu High Court for upholding the principles of justice in favour of Nigerian consumers.
Mr. Bello praised the judiciary for ensuring that service providers are held accountable under the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018. He said the decisions reaffirm the legal strength of the FCCPA and demonstrate that consumers have reliable avenues to seek redress against unfair treatment.
“The judgments show the strength of the FCCPA, which empowers consumers to seek redress and compels service providers to deliver fair and lawful services,” Mr. Bello stated. “We commend the courage of the consumers who chose to pursue justice through lawful means rather than resort to self-help. These rulings strengthen consumer confidence and enhance trust in the regulatory and judicial process.”
According to him, between March and August 2025, the FCCPC facilitated recoveries of more than ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, further demonstrating the growing effectiveness of Nigeria’s consumer protection system. He stressed that consistent judicial enforcement complements the Commission’s regulatory work and sends a clear message that violations of consumer rights attract real and enforceable consequences.
Mr. Bello also urged consumers to continue reporting unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal, official email, or any of its offices nationwide, noting that the Commission remains committed to protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair market competition.
In one of the landmark rulings, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, awarded ₦5 million in general damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, for the wrongful disconnection of his active subscription by Multichoice Nigeria Limited. The Court held that the pay-TV company acted unlawfully by cutting off service despite verified payment, causing inconvenience to the claimant and his family.
Justice Olukolu ordered immediate reconnection and an extension of the subscription period to cover the days lost, citing Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the FCCPA, 2018, which guarantee consumers’ rights to quality service and make suppliers liable for interrupted or defective delivery.
Similarly, in Enugu, the State High Court presided over by 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, 2018. The court ordered the company to pay ₦500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr. Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.
Justice Ajah ruled that service providers must refund consumers when services are not rendered, emphasizing that policies denying refunds violate statutory consumer rights and are therefore unenforceable under the law.
The FCCPC reiterated that these rulings demonstrate Nigeria’s strengthening consumer protection framework and the judiciary’s readiness to uphold the rights of citizens against unfair business practices.
As Nigeria’s foremost agency for consumer protection and competition regulation, the FCCPC continues to promote fair markets, safeguard consumer welfare, and ensure accountability across all sectors in line with the provisions of the FCCPA, 2018.
