Flowerbud News

Tag: FCCPC

  • PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS FCCPC TO INVESTIGATE BIG TECHS

    PRESIDENT TINUBU ORDERS FCCPC TO INVESTIGATE BIG TECHS

     

    …Over alleged infringement against Nigerian media organisations

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS):   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate the big global technology Over alleged infringement against Nigerian media organisations among others allegations.

    A statement by FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs,  Ondaje Ijagwu said that the big  technology companies ”have come under the radar of the FCCPC following allegations of anti-competitive practices, unlawful exploitation of news content, and other potentially unfair market conduct.

    Ijagwu disclosed further:

    Also to be investigated are Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms operating in Nigeria.

    This is sequel to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to FCCPC to look into a joint petition submitted to the Presidency by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO).

    The NPO comprises the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

    The Federal Government’s position was communicated to the FCCPC in a letter signed by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris.

    The investigation promises to open a new vista in Nigeria’s media history. In recent years, concerns have been raised by the Nigerian media industry over the growing impact of certain digital platforms on the sustainability of the country’s news ecosystem.

    Specifically, the NPO is increasingly uncomfortable with major technology companies including Meta, Alphabet, X (formerly Twitter), and certain Generative AI platforms, citing practices capable of undermining fair competition, the commercial viability of Nigerian media organisations, and the legitimate rights of content creators and publishers.

    Reacting, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting an independent, transparent, and evidence-based investigation.

    “We recognise the strategic importance of the media to Nigeria’s democracy and the equally significant role of technology in driving innovation and economic growth. Our responsibility is to objectively determine the facts and ensure that competition within the digital ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and consistent with Nigerian law,” said Bello.

    Clarifying the issues, Bello added that, “This inquiry is not directed at any entity by presumption of wrongdoing. Rather, it is an opportunity to carefully examine the facts, hear from all affected parties, and determine whether any conduct has resulted in anti-competitive outcomes or unfair business practices. Every party will be accorded a fair opportunity to present relevant information before any conclusions are reached.”

    In specific terms, FCCPC will determine whether the practices in question constitute a breach of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 or any other applicable law.

    In the past, FCCPC had investigated META and in 2025 won a landmark case against the tech giant for violations of FCCPA including data breach, for which the tech giant was fined $220m. Meta has however appealed the fine.

    Under the new investigation, areas of interest include allegations of market dominance and potential anti-competitive conduct. Second is the allegation of unauthorised extraction, scraping, ingestion, or commercial utilisation of copyrighted news articles, broadcast materials, and other original journalistic content for the development and training of Generative Artificial Intelligence models. Third is the concern regarding the lack of equitable commercial engagement between global tech companies and Nigerian news publishers. Central to this is the allegation that affected media organisations have been denied meaningful opportunities to negotiate fair compensation or appropriate commercial arrangements for the use of their journalistic content.

    Incidentally, following similar agitation by media organisations in South Africa and investigation by the South African Competition Commission, it was finally negotiated that Google compensate South African news media by R688 million ($40 million) annually for three to five years.

     

  • FCCPC shuts PWAN MAX premises over land complaints

    FCCPC shuts PWAN MAX premises over land complaints

     

     

    Some of the FCCPC officials during the enforcement in Lagos on Monday

    By Oluwaseun Nubi

    Lagos, June 8, 2026 (NAN) Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Lagos office of PWAN MAX Property and Business Solutions Ltd. over alleged non-compliance with a regulatory directive linked to consumer complaints on unallocated plots of land.

    Mrs Olubunmi Otti, South-West Zonal Coordinator, FCCPC, during the enforcement exercise on Monday, said the action followed the company’s alleged failure to comply with a Compliance Notice issued under Section 150 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.

    Otti said the commission had begun an investigation in February 2025 after a consumer alleged that 20 plots of land, fully paid for and subscribed to, had not been allocated.

    According to her, the company failed to honour two invitations issued by the commission and was subsequently summoned to appear before it.

    She said the company later gave an undertaking to allocate the 20 plots and provide all necessary documentation on or before June 30, 2025.

    “However, at the expiration of the agreed timeline, the company failed to fulfil the undertaking and the commission issued a Compliance Notice in line with Section 150 of the FCCPA.

    “The notice clearly stated the nature of the breach, the steps required to remedy it, the timeline for compliance and the penalties for failure to comply,” she said.

    Otti said the company failed to take the required remedial steps after being served the notice.

    “Consequently, in exercise of the commission’s powers under Section 150(4)(a) of the FCCPA, which requires the closure of premises where a breach continues after a compliance notice has been ignored, the commission has proceeded to seal these premises,” she said.

    She added that the enforcement action was intended to protect consumers and ensure compliance with the law.

    “The sealing will remain in force until the commission is satisfied that the breach has been fully remedied, after which a compliance certificate may be issued,” she said.

    Otti said the commission was also handling other complaints against the company involving investments and the alleged non-allocation of lands and buildings paid for by consumers.

    Officials of the commission met no staff members at the premises during the exercise.

    A notice displayed at the entrance and signed by the management of PWAN MAX informed clients and Property Business Owners (PBOs) that the company was observing a five-day staff fasting and prayer programme from June 8 to June 12.

    The notice stated that normal operations would resume on June 15.

    Otti urged businesses to take compliance notices seriously, noting that the law left the commission with no discretion once a violation persisted after a notice had been ignored.

    She also advised consumers to conduct due diligence and verify businesses before committing funds to transactions.

    Responding to questions on possible refunds to affected subscribers, Otti said the company would be required to refund consumers where necessary.

    “If they fail to refund the money, the law also empowers us to prosecute.

    “We are issuing a summons to them and they are expected to appear before the commission within seven days,” she said.

    Some affected subscribers who spoke with NAN recounted their experiences.

    Mr Olamide Olagundoye said he subscribed to one of the company’s land schemes after being introduced by a former employee.

    “He encouraged me to buy land and I started paying in instalments. After making the payments, I was not given a contract of sale.

    “I continued calling and visiting the office, but I could not get any satisfactory response. I was told that if the land could not be allocated, I would get a refund, but nothing has happened since then,” he said.

    Another subscriber, Mr Ifeanyi Okafor, said he began making payments for a land purchase in 2018 after being approached by the company’s marketers.

    “Along the line, I became uncomfortable with how things were going and requested a refund of the money I had paid.

    “I was repeatedly asked to send emails and return for follow-up, but the issue remained unresolved. The total amount I paid was about N480,000,” he said.

    Okafor expressed hope that the intervention of FCCPC would assist affected subscribers in recovering their funds and resolving outstanding complaints. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Tinubu orders breakup of Optasia’s 12-year monopoly on airtime credit lending

    Tinubu orders breakup of Optasia’s 12-year monopoly on airtime credit lending

     

    …FCCPC secures presidential backing to dismantle exclusive control over N3trn airtime advance market …Capital flight and lack of local investment, cited among other reasons •Nine Nigerian fintechs to be onboarded

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to break the 12-year monopoly of South African firm Optasia on airtime credit lending and data advance services in Nigeria, authoritative sources have told Vanguard.

    The decision, which followed a high-level briefing by the FCCPC, marks a major policy shift aimed at opening up an estimated N3 trillion annual market to Nigerian fintechs.

    According to multiple sources within the commission, the President was persuaded by arguments that Optasia’s exclusive arrangement has for over a decade facilitated substantial capital flight while contributing minimally to local tax revenues or employment.

    “The Commission’s argument is that deregulating the sector will promote competition, the Nigeria First Technology Policy, employment for Nigerians and discourage capital flight to South Africa as hitherto perpetrated by Optasia,” an FCCPC official familiar with the briefing told this newspaper on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

    The directive, which sources say was issued in writing late last month, effectively orders the FCCPC to use its statutory powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act to end exclusivity arrangements that have kept smaller players out of the airtime credit lending space.

    Airtime credit lending allows mobile phone users to borrow small amounts of airtime or data when their balance runs out, repaying typically within days—a service used by tens of millions of low-income Nigerians.

    Allegations of non-compliance

    It is alleged that Optasia—formerly known as Channel VAS—has operated for 12 years without establishing any administrative infrastructure in Nigeria. Sources further alleged that the company employs no Nigerian staff and does not share credit data with Nigerian bureaus or other financial technology firms, creating an information asymmetry that has stifled local competition.

    Attempts to reach Optasia for comment on these allegations were unsuccessful as of press time. The company’s legal representatives in Nigeria did not respond to multiple inquiries. However, it is understood that Optasia has already filed an interim injunction before a Federal High Court seeking to restrain the FCCPC from implementing any deregulation measures.

    The allegations, if proven, could have significant regulatory implications. Under Nigerian law, foreign companies providing digital financial services to Nigerian consumers are generally expected to maintain a local presence, comply with data localisation requirements, and contribute to the national tax base. The FCCPC’s case, as presented to the Presidency, reportedly hinges on the alleged claim that Optasia has circumvented these expectations.

    The FCCPC’s acting executive vice chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, has previously spoken publicly about the need to dismantle anti-competitive arrangements in digital lending.

    In a recent industry forum, Abdullahi warned that “no single company, regardless of origin, will be allowed to hold an entire digital subsector hostage through exclusive contracts that do not serve Nigerian consumers.”

    Industry analysts say the timing of the directive is significant, coming as Nigeria grapples with foreign exchange shortages and seeks to maximise local value from its digital economy.

    The airtime credit lending market, estimated at N3 trillion in annual transaction value, represents a substantial pool of consumer spending that policymakers believe should benefit domestic firms.

    A senior fintech executive who requested anonymity because his company is among those seeking to enter the market described the President’s decision as “a watershed moment.” He added: “For 12 years, one foreign firm has extracted value from Nigerian consumers with almost no local reinvestment. That model is now ending.”

    The FCCPC is expected to publish implementation guidelines within 60 days, detailing how the monopoly will be unwound and what conditions new entrants must meet.

    The nine companies which are expected to be onboarded are: Technotrends Platforms Nigeria Limited, Total Tim Nigeria Limited, Fonyou Technologies Nigeria Limited, Rane Interactive Medien CLS Limited, MRS Innovation Nigeria Limited, Mode NG Applications Nigeria Limited, ERL Telecoms Service Limited, Cloud Interactive Associate Limited, and Coverage Broadband Limited.

    Among the requirements being considered are mandatory local data hosting, minimum Nigerian equity participation, and transparent credit data sharing with the Nigerian Credit Bureau.

  • NAFDAC Signs MoU with FCCPC to Enhance Mechanism for Safeguarding Public Health, Consumer Wellbeing

    NAFDAC Signs MoU with FCCPC to Enhance Mechanism for Safeguarding Public Health, Consumer Wellbeing

     

    –  For consumers, the benefits of NAFDAC – FCCPC Partnership are clear as it will ensure simpler complaint processes, faster resolution of issues, and stronger enforcement where standards are not met.

     

    By Biola Lawal
    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has signed an MoU with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen regulatory framework for safeguarding public health.

    Flowerbudnews reports that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Tunji Bello during the NAFDAC DG’s visit to FCCPC headquarters in Abuja.

    s also designed to reduce overlapping functions between both agencies

    Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prof. Adeyeye, described the agreement as a catalyst for renewed collaboration, synergy, and cooperation between NAFDAC and FCCPC in the discharge of their respective mandates.

    She noted the collaboration woas a renewed effort to also reduce overlapping functions between both agencies.
    .
    The NAFDAC Boss stressed that the MoU was also aimed at protecting consumers, safeguarding public health, and ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of regulated products.

    Prof. Adeyeye also emphasised the need for strong commitment to the implementation of the MoU, particularly in the areas of investigation, information sharing, and consumer protection.

    In a shared commitment, both agencies agreed to establish regulatory mechanisms that would ensure efficient and effective collaboration towards the full implementation of the agreement.

    The MoU, which is expected to run for an initial period of four years, will be subject to review and renewal by both parties.

    Also speaking at the event, the FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman commended the passion and determination of the NAFDAC Director-General, in facilitating the signing of the MoU.

    According to him, the agreement represented a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market and a stronger institutional partnership in protecting consumer rights and public interest.

    Mr. Bello noted that, while the mandates of both agencies are clearly defined by law, their functions increasingly overlap in practice.

    He explained that the agreement outlined  mechanisms for information sharing, ensuring both organisations have timely access to data required for investigations, policy development and enforcement.

  • FCCPC, Lagos agency sign MoU to address consumer issues in real estate, transportation

    FCCPC, Lagos agency sign MoU to address consumer issues in real estate, transportation

     

    By Ginika Okoye
    Abuja:   The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address consumer complaints in real estate.
    The partnership would also address consumer issues in transportation sector, particularly in airline operations and other sectors of the state.
    Signing the MoU in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice Chairmman of FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the collaboration was necessary for effective consumer protection that could not only be delivered from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) alone.
    He said that many consumer issues usually arose within states and communities hence, the need to partner with consumer protection agencies in the states.
    Bello,  who said the commission had received various consumer complaints on real estates, housing, called for more collaboration with  various agencies in charge of consumer protection in the states.
    According to him, many consumer issues are local in character, immediate in effect, and often requires rapid intervention.
    ”Today’s event is significant because it reflects a shared commitment to improving the daily experience of consumers and strengthening the fair business conduct through practical decision and cooperation.
    ”Consumer protection is no longer a narrow subject.
    ”State institutions are therefore indispensable partners in building a credible and accessible consumer protection framework across the Federation.
    ”As markets become more sophisticated, complaints also become more complex.
    ”Consumers now face issues that cut across jurisdictions and sectors. This reality requires regulators to be coordinated, responsive and forward-looking. That is why this partnership matters,” he said.
    Bello recollected a Supreme Court judgement in 2023 which established that urban and regional matters were residual matters under the control of states and not Federal Government.
    He said that working together with states would help the Commission to better address consumer issues.
    ”I therefore encourage close operational cooperation at that level, particularly in the areas of complaints and the intelligence sharing, consumer education, and coordinated interventions where necessary,” he said.
    The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, said the collaboration was aimed at  addressing the myriad of consumer complaints in transportation sector particularly as it concerned airlines.

    According to him, we believe that the issue of air transportation is within the purview of FCCPC but on our own, we have tried.

    Solebo said the agency had recovered over N40 million and $10,000 dollars customers’ funds from both local and international airlines.

    He said that recently, the jurisdiction of the agency in some consumer issues had been challenged.

    ”We are here to sign this MOU. I can’t wait to go back to Lagos and shout to all Lagosians that we have more powers; that our big brother have decided to join forces with us.

    ”And we can assure you that with this collaboration and synergy, we are going to work assiduously to ensure that the rights of consumers in Lagos State are not only protected, but will stop the issue of exploitation and unscrupulous trade practices,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Ikeja Electric engages FCCPC as regulator seals firm

    Ikeja Electric engages FCCPC as regulator seals firm

     

    Ikeja Electric says it is fully cooperating with regulators to resolve concerns raised by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which on Thursday sealed its headquarters over alleged consumer-rights violations.

    The Head of Corporate Communication of Ikeja Electric, Kingsley Okotie, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said the company is engaging all stakeholders to implement the directives issued by regulators.

    Okotie said: “We, as a responsible and law-abiding company, are fully engaging and cooperating with the FCCPC to resolve the issue in the best interest of all stakeholders.

    “Just like the FCCPC and other regulatory authorities in our sector, Ikeja Electric remains committed to upholding and protecting the rights of our customers.

    “We are engaging with the FCCPC alongside the affected customer and other concerned stakeholders to implement all directives issued.

    “We kindly seek the Commission’s understanding to unseal the premises and restore normal operations.”

    NAN reports that FCCPC officials sealed the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) headquarters in the Alausa area of Lagos over alleged failure to comply with a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive.

    According to the Commission, NERC had ordered Ikeja Electric to unbundle a Maximum Demand (MD) account into 20 separate non-MD accounts representing 19 residential units and a service point owned by a complainant, and to meter and connect each unit appropriately.

    Idayat Olorungbe, who represented the Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Bola Adeyinka, said the action followed several unsuccessful attempts to secure compliance.

    She said the prolonged refusal left the complainant without power supply for over 2.5 years, rendering the 19 residential units unusable despite the customer fulfilling all financial obligations.

    Olorungbe said FCCPC engaged the company for months, issuing a detailed compliance directive in April 2025.

    When no steps were taken, a Compliance Notice was issued on October 2, 2025, with a seven-day ultimatum also ignored.

    She stressed that the enforcement was backed by Sections 17, 18, 124, 150, and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, which empower the Commission to intervene and seal premises where violations persist.

    She said: “This is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance.

    “The seal will remain until Ikeja Electric fully complies with the directives issued by both NERC and the FCCPC and provides written evidence of compliance.”

    The FCCPC reiterated that consumers are entitled to fair treatment, access to essential services, and protection from unfair, coercive, or negligent practices by service providers.

    “The Commission will continue to enforce the law to protect these rights and ensure that service providers meet their obligations,” Olorungbe added.


    About Flowerbudnews
    Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

    We are drawn from both public and private  sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..

    Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

    Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

    The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

    He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.