Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act

An Act establishes a comprehensive framework for consumer protection and market competition in Nigeria. It creates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to safeguard consumer rights and promote fair trade. The law prohibits anti-competitive practices and regulates mergers to ensure healthy market operations.

What Is This Policy?

Establishes a comprehensive competition and consumer protection framework for Nigeria, creating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to promote fair markets and safeguard consumer rights.

Who Does It Target?

All businesses operating in Nigeria Consumers of goods and services Regulatory agencies with sector-specific mandates Foreign companies with Nigerian market impact

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Prohibit anti-competitive practices (cartels, abuse of dominance, mergers that harm competition) Protect consumers from unfair trade, false advertising, and unsafe products Regulate mergers and acquisitions above prescribed thresholds Establish enforceable consumer rights

Key Features

Merger Control: Requires FCCPC approval for mergers and acquisitions above defined thresholds. Consumer Rights Framework: Codifies rights to information, safety, redress, and choice for all Nigerian consumers. Cartel Prohibition: Criminalises price-fixing, market allocation, and bid-rigging agreements.

Current Status

In force. Signed into law in 2018, the FCCPC is operational and has issued guidelines, conducted investigations, and prosecuted violations.

Legal Framework

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (FCCPA)