The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the Nigerian judiciary for recent rulings that reinforce consumer rights and ensure accountability among service providers.
In a statement by Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission hailed the Lagos and Enugu High Courts for their landmark judgments against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit Limited, respectively.
Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the FCCPC, described the rulings as a major boost to consumer confidence and a testament to the effectiveness of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.
He said the decisions demonstrate that consumers can lawfully seek redress and obtain justice against unfair business practices.
Bello applauded the judiciary for ensuring fair outcomes that strengthen trust in Nigeria’s marketplace, adding that the rulings highlight the judiciary’s growing role in advancing consumer protection.
He also commended the affected consumers for using legal channels rather than resorting to self-help, noting that the FCCPA provides multiple avenues for lodging complaints and securing redress.
Between March and August 2025, the Commission facilitated recoveries exceeding ₦10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, a milestone Bello said reflects growing enforcement efficiency.
He added that consistent judicial support complements regulatory efforts and sends a clear message that violations of consumer rights will attract consequences.
The commission added that in one of the cases, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, awarded ₦5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Ben Onuora, over wrongful disconnection despite verified payment.
Similarly, the Enugu High Court, under Justice C. O. Ajah, declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy illegal and ordered the company to pay ₦500,000 in damages to a passenger, Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.
“In one of the two decided cases, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, awarded ₦5 million in general damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, for the wrongful disconnection of his active subscription. The Court found that Multichoice acted unlawfully by cutting off service despite verified payment, causing inconvenience to the claimant and his family.
“It ordered immediate reconnection and an extension to cover the period of disconnection, relying on Sections 130, 136, and 142–145 of the FCCPA 2018, which safeguard consumers’ rights to quality service and make suppliers liable for interrupted or defective delivery.
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“In the second case, the Enugu High Court, under Justice C. O. Ajah ruled that Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy was illegal and void under Sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the FCCPA 2018. The company was ordered to pay ₦500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr. Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.
“The Court held that service providers must refund consumers when a service is not rendered and that policies denying refunds breach statutory consumer rights.”
Bello reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting fair markets and protecting consumers nationwide, urging Nigerians to continue reporting unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal, email, or its offices nationwide.
