Editor
By Fatima Saka
President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, has expressed his intention to prioritize awareness creation and public enlightenment in his initial agenda at the commission.
He noted that a significant portion of the Nigerian populace remains uninformed about the FCCPC, emphasizing the need for enhancement within the commission to address the expectations of Nigerians seeking relief.
This development coincides with the directive issued by the Nigerian Senate urging the FCCPC to intensify its initiatives in safeguarding Nigerian consumers amidst the prevailing inflationary conditions in the country.
During his appearance before the Senate committee on Trade and Investment, presided over by Senator Sadiq Umar (APC, Kwara North), the nominee acknowledged the substantial responsibilities awaiting him in the event of his confirmation, particularly concerning the protection of Nigerian consumers, notably those utilizing satellite TV services.
In response to the concerns raised by the committee chairman and other members, Bello assured that the FCCPC would scrutinize the terms of service provided by companies to Nigerian consumers, comparing them with international standards, such as those in South Africa, to prevent any unjust exploitation of Nigerians.
“I am aware that in certain parts of the world, viewers are charged based on the content they watch. The pay-per-view model is something we must consider moving forward,” he stated.
Bello reiterated to the senators that the promotion of Nigerian national interests would be his fundamental guiding principle if he secures Senate confirmation, stressing the importance of extending consumer protection measures to even the most vulnerable segments of society, such as tomato and pepper consumers at the grassroots level.
Several senators, particularly those representing Lagos State, including Tokunbo Abiru and Idiat Adebule, commended Bello’s professional background as a journalist, lawyer, and public administrator, highlighting his previous roles as Commissioner for Environment under Governor Tinubu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during Governor Ambode’s tenure, and commissioner in the administration of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. Collectively, they endorsed his competence and integrity.
