FCCPC asks media for sustained collaboration and training to boost consumer protection reporting

# What happened Commission (FCCPC) met with executive members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) at its Abuja headquarters. The commission told the journalists it wants sustained training and stronger engagement because coverage of competition and consumer-protection issues is a relatively new area in Nigeria.

# Why it matters Competition law and consumer-protection regulation are developing fields in Nigeria. That makes accurate reporting important for public understanding and for holding businesses and regulators to account. The FCCPC says improving journalists' knowledge will help them report more effectively, and the media has already helped increase public awareness of the commission.

# What the FCCPC said Tunji Bello, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was represented at the meeting by the Executive Commissioner for Operations, Louis Odion. Bello acknowledged that "competition reporting is indeed new in our jurisdiction" and said the commission would consider CICAN's request for training and further engagement.

The commission also noted it recently supported a training programme through the National Judicial Institute to help judges understand competition-related matters. Bello described that step as necessary because judges are not yet familiar with the nuances of competition law.

# What CICAN said Gabriel Kuma, Abuja Chairman of CICAN, framed the association's approach as constructive journalism. He described the relationship between regulators and the media as one that should be built on openness, professionalism, mutual respect, and access to accurate information. CICAN said it will support efforts to educate the public and explain regulatory developments when asked.

# Next events and follow-up CICAN will mark its 20th anniversary with a national dialogue titled "FG's $1 Trillion Economy: Role of Policy Makers, Stakeholders and Media in Its Actualisation" on October 20, 2026, at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja. The event aims to bring policymakers, regulators, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders together to examine policies and reforms needed to accelerate growth, attract investment, and improve competitiveness.

# Practical implications for journalists and readers

• Journalists covering commerce and industry should seek specialised training or briefings on competition law and consumer protection to improve reporting accuracy.
• Regulators and judiciary training may increase the quality and consistency of enforcement and rulings on competition matters.
• Readers should expect more informed coverage of consumer-rights issues if planned collaborations and training take place.

# Bottom line The FCCPC is asking for deeper, ongoing collaboration with the media to strengthen reporting on competition and consumer protection. The commission has already funded judicial training and says it will review journalists' requests for training. CICAN's upcoming national dialogue provides a platform for further conversation on economic policy and the media's role.