In a bid to safeguard Nigerian consumers during these times of Increasing inflation, the Senate has called upon the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to intensify its efforts in ensuring their welfare.
During the screening process of Olantunji Bello, President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the position of Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment asserted the need for greater consumer protection measures.
Distinguished senators, including representatives from Lagos State such as Tokumbo Abiru and Idiat Adebule, lauded Mr. Tunji Bello’s extensive experience as a journalist, lawyer, and public administrator.
Having served as Commissioner for Environment under Tinubu’s governorship, Secretary to State Government (SSG) under Governor Ambode, and commissioner under the current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he was commended for his competence and character.
Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North), the committee chairman, emphasized the nominee’s responsibility in safeguarding Nigerian consumers, particularly in relation to satellite TV service providers.
In response to these concerns, Tunji Bello assured the committee that FCCPC would scrutinize the terms offered by service providers in Nigeria and compare them with those in other countries, such as South Africa, to prevent undue exploitation of Nigerian consumers.
He highlighted the practice in other parts of the world, where consumers are charged based on their actual viewership, stating, “You pay according to what you are able to watch. This is the new area we have to look at.”
Bello further pledged that, if confirmed, he would prioritize the national interest of Nigeria, ensuring that consumer protection extends to even the most vulnerable segments of society, such as tomato and pepper consumers at the grassroots level.
Moreover, he expressed his commitment to enhancing public awareness about the FCCPC’s activities, empowering Nigerian consumers to assert their rights.
Overall, the Senate’s call for reinforced consumer protection measures reflects their dedication to shielding Nigerian consumers from the impact of inflation.
With Tunji Bello’s prospective leadership, FCCPC aims to promote fairness and transparency, ensuring that the interests of Nigerian consumers are safeguarded and their rights upheld.
