Abuja: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commenced a three-day training program in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to equip judges with the necessary knowledge and skills for adjudicating competition and consumer protection cases. This initiative aims to enhance the clarity and confidence of judicial officers when tackling consumer-related issues in the courtroom.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, emphasized the critical role of judicial officers in interpreting competition and consumer protection laws as they often find their practical expression in legal proceedings. He highlighted that technological innovations, digital commerce, and complex corporate structures are reshaping market dynamics, leading to new legal and economic challenges related to market dominance, restrictive agreements, and consumer rights.
Mr. Bello noted that both regulators and courts in Nigeria are encountering an increasing number of disputes stemming from evolving market practices across various sectors. These cases involve intricate factual records, economic evidence, and questions about the interaction between general competition law and sector-specific regulatory frameworks. He stressed the importance of judicial interpretation in shaping the evolving jurisprudence governing market conduct and consumer protection in the country.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator of NJI, stated that the training is strategically designed to deepen judicial understanding of competition law principles, the institutional architecture of the FCCPA, and the evidentiary stance on competition litigation. He also mentioned that the training would broaden judicial awareness of emerging issues in digital markets and financial technology.
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), discussed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven systems on competition and consumer protection dynamics. While acknowledging the benefits of these technologies, she warned of complex risks such as data exploitation, algorithmic manipulation of consumer choices, and privacy infringements. The CJN urged regulatory institutions to remain adaptive and responsive to these evolving technological challenges.
The CJN also highlighted the potential of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of consumer protection regimes. These mechanisms can facilitate timely and cost-effective dispute resolution, reducing the burden on courts and improving access to justice for consumers.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training has attracted judges and other judicial officers from across the country, emphasizing the importance and national scope of the initiative.