The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has applauded recent court rulings enforcing consumer rights in cases against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit.
In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, said the decisions reinforce accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s marketplace.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Tunji Bello, praised the judgments as evidence of strong judicial support for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, noting that consumers now have clear pathways to seek redress when rights are violated.
He said the rulings highlight that service providers must meet lawful standards and that consumer-rights breaches attract real consequences.
“These decisions confirm the courts’ willingness to protect consumer rights,” Bello said, adding that resorting to lawful engagement instead of self-help contributes to a more secure and organised marketplace.
According to the Commission, more than ₦10 billion has been recovered for consumers across 30 sectors between March and August 2025 — a sign of strengthened enforcement and growing trust in the system.
In Lagos, Justice R. O. Olukolu awarded ₦5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr Ben Onuora, for wrongful disconnection despite verified payment. The Court ruled that MultiChoice acted unlawfully, causing avoidable inconvenience, and ordered reconnection with an extension to cover the service disruption. The ruling drew on Sections 130, 136 and 142–145 of the FCCPA, which guarantee consumers’ rights to quality service.
In Enugu, Justice C. O. Ajah declared Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund after payment” policy illegal and void under Sections 120, 104 and 129(1) of the Act. The transport company was ordered to pay ₦500,000 to a passenger, Mr Tochukwu Odo, after an uncompleted trip.
The Court held that when services are not delivered, refunds are mandatory and policies restricting consumer rights have no legal standing.
Bello urged the public to continue reporting unfair business practices via the Commission’s complaint channels nationwide to ensure sustained consumer protection.
