News
Agencies Kick Against New Consumer Protection Laws
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) among others, have faulted the new Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Act (FCCPA) 2019, describing it as excessively dominant on regulatory bodies.
While they were unanimous on the need to protect Nigerian consumers, they frowned at the Act’s creation of a “super-regulator” and “extra-territorial applications” of its provisions to industries with specific regulations.
The parastatals, which met at the Stark Illuminate 1.0 forum in Lagos commended Starklegal law firm, the organiser, for bringing the Act to the their notice, but called for a review to avert major crises in industries and closure of businesses in the Nigeria.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari in February signed the new consumer protection bill into law, to repeal the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Act.
The law applies to all undertakings and all commercial activities within, or having effect within Nigeria. The provisions are binding on Federal and State government corporations and parastatals as well as all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.
The FCCPA establishes a Consumer Protection Tribunal to hear cases, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to promote and maintain competitive markets in the Nigerian economy and ensure welfare of consumers by providing consumers with product choices at competitive prices, among other functions that are ancillary and incidental to consumer protection and competition.
Emmanuel Chukwuma, Legal Adviser and Head of Compliance and Enforcement at the NCAA, observed that the new Act is a “legislative stamp” on the activities of the CPC, but portends serious danger for the aviation industry.
Chukwuma explained that the NCAA was established by the Act of Parliament in 2006, with Part 19 of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 providing for consumer protection.
He added that the consumer protection conflict between NCAA and the CPC dated back to 2013 in a case involving Aero Contractor’s cancelled flight, where CPC intervened and charged the airlines to pay penalties in excess of N24 million in total.
“It showed their understanding of the industry but at that pace, no airline will survive in Nigeria. The new law is a legislative stamp on the activities of CPC. The President has signed it and it our law, but the implications are going to be very huge,” Chukwuma said.
Specifically, section 33 states that failure or refusal to attend a summon of the FCCPC amounts to an offense and liable upon conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, fine not more than N200 million, or both.
Section 51 empowers the tribunal to impose administrative penalties not exceeding 10 per cent of the undertaking’s annual turnover in Nigeria and its exports from Nigeria during the preceding financial year.
Chukwuma further said that the extra-territorial application of the FCCPA, even to operations outside Nigeria, contravenes Article 6 of the Chicago Convention and a section of the BASA agreement that made the relevant law as that applicable in the territory of operation.
He said though the Act recognised other government agencies, but gave the FCCPC precedence over and above other government agencies.
“In the light of these concerns, we intend to make our points known and seek serious review of the Act. NCC has reached us to partner with them. NAFDAC and others will join us, so as to make a strong representation to the FCCPC.”
Paul Oki, company secretary of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), added that there are technical agencies like NAMA that operate as a monopoly.
“The act is new and has to be tested. One of the challenges is who to report to in matters of consumer protections – either the NCAA or the FCCPC. I think it is time for lawyers to start getting familiar with how aviation works, to be able to advice consumer s appropriately,” Oki said.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced plans to introduce Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across domestic and international airport terminals to tackle the growing problem of delayed, misrouted and missing luggages
Michael Achimugu, director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement forum in Lagos.
Achimugu said the RFID-enabled system would replace the traditional barcode-based baggage tracking framework and provide airlines and passengers with real-time visibility of checked luggage from check-in to final collection.
According to him, the technology would improve baggage traceability, reduce mishandling and strengthen accountability across the baggage-handling chain.
Unlike conventional barcode systems, RFID technology allows baggage to be automatically scanned at multiple points without requiring direct line of sight, enabling real-time tracking of luggage throughout its journey.
Achimugu said issues involving short-landed, missing, lost or damaged baggage had remained among the major complaints from air travellers, alongside flight delays.
He said the introduction of RFID technology was therefore aimed at improving baggage-handling standards and restoring passenger confidence in the aviation sector.
The NCAA said the initiative also aligns with IATA Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at key points during the passenger journey.
The authority expects the technology to provide more accurate information on the location of luggage, facilitate quicker resolution of baggage-related complaints and improve the overall passenger experience.
The NCAA said the initiative would also strengthen accountability among airlines and other stakeholders involved in baggage handling at Nigerian airports.
eTranzact International Plc has called for increased adoption of digital payment solutions among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying access to technology is critical to improving business efficiency, financial inclusion and growth.
The company also said it was deepening its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to expand digital access and financial literacy among small businesses across the country.
In a statement, the Divisional Head, Merchant Services, eTranzact, Mrs. Abimbola Reis, stated this at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement in Lagos recently, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs Leveraging on Fintech Innovation.”
Reis described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that the sector comprises almost 40 million businesses and contributes significantly to economic growth and job creation.
However, she said many businesses continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, inefficient payment systems, weak financial reporting, cash-flow constraints and inadequate access to digital platforms.
She added that trust concerns also affect businesses’ ability to access finance, while heavy reliance on cash increases exposure to theft and makes payment reconciliation more difficult.
Representing the Director-General of SMEDAN, Prof. Yinka Fisher said the town hall was aimed at generating practical ideas and solutions that would support the growth and expansion of MSMEs.
“The essence of this engagement is to share ideas and concepts that will help MSMEs thrive and expand. Our partnership with eTranzact is about expanding the frontiers of MSMEs and ensuring they continue to grow,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Praise Adedigba said businesses could no longer depend solely on hard work to remain competitive.
As the world marks International Youth Day, attention once again turns to the opportunities and challenges facing young people as they prepare for work, financial independence, and adulthood.
In Nigeria, the urgency is clear. According to UNICEF, about 7% of young people aged 15–24 possess basic ICT skills, highlighting a wider gap in the skills required to participate effectively in an increasingly digital economy.
At the same time, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, continues to prioritize skills development, job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
For PalmPay, youth empowerment goes beyond corporate social responsibility. It is an investment in the people who will shape Nigeria’s workforce, businesses and economy.
This belief is reflected in initiatives focused on financial literacy, employability, digital skills and access to opportunities.
Through its Graduate Trainee Programme, PalmPay provides young graduates with opportunities to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills and build careers in a fast-evolving industry.
The investment also extends to financial education. Through its NYSC Financial Literacy Programme, PalmPay brings practical financial education to young Nigerians at an important transition point, helping Corps members develop better habits around saving, spending, budgeting and protecting their money.
For young women, Purple Woman provides another pathway to economic empowerment, creating opportunities for internships, learning and professional development while supporting greater female participation in the technology sector.
Speaking on the importance of youth empowerment, Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, said: “Nigeria’s young population is one of its greatest assets, but unlocking its potential requires access to the right skills, knowledge and opportunities. At PalmPay, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians to learn, earn and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria.”
These initiatives reflect a broader belief that youth empowerment is most meaningful when young people are given the knowledge, exposure and opportunities to apply what they learn.
A graduate given workplace exposure today can become tomorrow’s business leader. A Corps member who develops sound financial habits can carry those lessons into their career and personal life. A young woman given access to professional opportunities can gain the confidence, experience, and networks to create opportunities for others.
Investing in young people is a great strategy for building a stronger, more productive, and more inclusive economy.
This International Youth Day, PalmPay reaffirms its commitment to investing in young Nigerians and contributing to a broader national ambition where the young population is not just counted, but equipped, employed, empowered, and positioned to lead.
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