The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) as central to maintaining Nigeria’s economic integrity, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding consumers and promoting fair competition.

Justice Kekere-Ekun delivered the keynote address at the opening of a three-day Competition and Consumer Protection Law Conference at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja on March 10, 2026. She spotlighted the FCCPC’s statutory mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, noting that the commission is “vital in safeguarding the integrity of the marketplace.”

The CJN emphasized the commission’s responsibilities, including curbing anticompetitive practices, reviewing mergers, and protecting consumer rights, especially amid the growth of digital markets and complex corporate structures. She observed a rise in related litigation and urged enhanced collaboration between the judiciary and FCCPC to ensure effective enforcement and interpretation of the law.

Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the commission’s role in preventing market dominance abuse, promoting fair business practices, and securing consumer welfare, describing competition and consumer protection law as “one of the most dynamic fields” in Nigeria. She called on courts to adopt judicial agility in addressing emerging fintech disputes and regulatory challenges.

Her remarks underscore FCCPC’s growing importance as Nigeria navigates globalization and innovation, emphasizing that strong partnerships between regulators and the judiciary are essential to maintaining a level playing field for both businesses and citizens.