The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at closing regulatory gaps and strengthening enforcement against unsafe products and unfair market practices.

The agreement, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is expected to deepen collaboration between both agencies in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and enforcement of standards.

The agreement also introduced a structured system for information exchange between both regulators, aimed at eliminating delays that often hinder investigations and enforcement.

Speaking at the event held at the commission’s corporate headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Tunji Bello, said the pact marks a deliberate step towards coordinated regulation in Nigeria’s consumer market.

He said, “This event marks a deliberate step towards strengthening collaboration in the service of Nigerian consumers, particularly in areas where product safety and consumer protection overlap and require coordinated action.

“The mandates of the FCCPC and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, are clearly set out in law, although their functions increasingly overlap in practice.”

Bello explained that while both agencies have distinct legal mandates, their responsibilities increasingly intersect in practice, especially in dealing with substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and misleading product claims.

According to him, “FCCPC focuses on protecting consumers from unfair, deceptive, or exploitative market behaviour. It also promotes competition, investigates complaints, and enforces remedies where consumer welfare has been undermined. NAFDAC’s responsibilities are more product-specific.

“It regulates the manufacture, importation, distribution, advertisement, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water. Its central concern is safety and quality, ensuring that regulated products meet required standards both before and after they enter the market.”

Bello acknowledged that their regulatory functions increasingly overlap in practice, particularly in areas affecting both product safety and consumer rights.

He noted that issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising often cut across the mandates of both agencies, requiring coordinated intervention.

He further explained that a harmful product in the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction, but also a consumer protection issue that falls within the enforcement scope of the FCCPC.

Similarly, cases involving false or misleading advertising of regulated products typically demand joint action from both institutions.

Against this backdrop, the agencies said the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding provides a structured framework to address these overlaps, enabling more effective collaboration, clearer responsibilities, and improved regulatory outcomes.

The FCCPC boss stated, “In reality, the work of both agencies often converges. Issues such as misleading product claims, substandard goods, unsafe pharmaceuticals, and deceptive advertising raise questions that fall within both product safety and consumer protection. For instance, a harmful product that reaches the market is not only a public health concern under NAFDAC’s remit, but also a consumer protection issue for FCCPC.

“The same applies to false advertising of regulated products, which typically requires input from both bodies. Given this overlap, a formal Memorandum of Understanding provides a practical basis for cooperation. The MoU being executed today, therefore, establishes a clearer and more workable framework for collaboration between the two institutions.”

He added that the new framework would eliminate confusion for consumers and improve response time to complaints.

“Rather than leaving consumers to decide which agency to approach, complaints can now be received and reviewed in one place, and then directed through clearly defined channels. This will make the system more efficient and more responsive,” Bello said.

The FCCPC boss also disclosed that the agreement provides for data sharing, joint investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, as well as capacity building through training and technical collaboration.

He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build trust in the market.

“Effective regulation is not just about enforcement. It builds confidence. When consumers trust that products are safe and their rights are protected, markets function more efficiently,” he added.

In a stern warning to violators, Bello said the collaboration would strengthen oversight and deter non-compliance.

“This will send shivers down the spine of those who are mischievous in our society, those who try to circumvent the rules. The message is clear: enforcement will be stronger and more coordinated,” he said.

On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agreement as critical to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.

She said the partnership goes beyond documentation and must translate into action.

“This MoU is extremely important for the nation. But beyond the document, what matters is action. We do not need theory when it comes to consumer protection, we need results,”* she said.

Adeyeye recounted instances where FCCPC responded swiftly to complaints she personally raised as a consumer, leading to immediate corrective actions by erring businesses.

“The two times that I complained, he responded almost immediately, and the enterprise made amends. That is the way it is supposed to be. That is the kind of leadership we need,” she said.

She emphasised that while NAFDAC ensures product safety and quality, FCCPC plays a critical role in protecting the rights of consumers who use those products.

“NAFDAC is about the safety and efficacy of products, but it is people who use those products. That is where FCCPC comes in. Consumers have the right to complain, and we must ensure those complaints lead to action,” she added.

The NAFDAC boss further noted that the collaboration would strengthen enforcement tools, including sanctions against violators, while enhancing public awareness through coordinated communication.

She said, “NAFDAC has the mandate to act against violators, FCCPC will fight for the consumer, and together we will ensure that Nigerians are protected. For our people that are watching us. Because this will be televised. Just know that you are on our mind.

“In terms of product quality, safety and efficacy. In terms of your rights as a consumer to complain. We are watching your back.”

The MoU is expected to streamline complaint handling, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure faster resolution of consumer issues, while also creating a more predictable compliance environment for businesses.

The move comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the proliferation of substandard products, fake drugs, and deceptive advertising, all of which have continued to undermine consumer confidence and public health.

With both agencies now working under a unified framework, stakeholders say the success of the agreement will depend on sustained implementation and consistent enforcement.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the report that the Independent National Electoral Commission rejected a fresh plot to deregister the African Democratic Congress days after the Supreme Court verdict.

In a viral court document, INEC, in its submission, dismantled the legal foundation of the application, insisting that it fails to meet the constitutional conditions required for the deregistration of a political party.

According to the filing contained in the court document, the Commission made it clear that the power to deregister political parties is neither discretionary nor susceptible to political pressure but is strictly governed by extant laws and constitutional provisions.

Reacting to the development, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication Atiku described the move to deregister the ADC as “a desperate and failed plot conceived in the shadows of fear.”

“What we are witnessing is the unraveling of a poorly scripted political ambush designed to cripple opposition voices. The fact that INEC itself has come forward to puncture the legal vacuum of this application speaks volumes. It confirms what Nigerians already suspect—that this was never about law but about intimidation.

“No democracy survives where the ruling party seeks to eliminate competition through the backdoor. Today, it is ADC. Tomorrow, it could be any platform that refuses to bow. But let it be known: Nigeria is bigger than any administration, and its democratic space cannot be shrunk to accommodate political insecurity,” he added.

Recall that the Supreme Court last week, vacated the order of the Court of Appeal which barred the recognition of David Mark as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has lost its remaining representation in the Senate following the defection of Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The development was formally announced on Tuesday when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Hanga’s letter during plenary.

In the letter, Hanga blamed his exit on unresolved internal disputes within the NNPP, stating that factional disagreements and conflicting leadership directions had made effective legislative work difficult. He said the situation created an unstable political environment that hindered his responsibilities as a senator.

He added that his decision followed consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders, and that the NDC better aligns with his political priorities and vision for governance.

With the defection, NNPP now holds no seat in the Senate. The current composition is: APC – 89, ADC – 7, PDP – 4, NDC – 3, APGA – 1, NNPP – 0, Accord – 1, and Labour Party – 1.

The lawmaker representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, Abdul Ningi, has called on Nigerians to take the xenophobic war to South Africa.

Ningi made this call on Tuesday at the plenary in reaction to the killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

Recall that South Africans have killed a hand full of Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals in the recent xenophobic attacks.

Reacting to the development, the lawmaker said, “Nigeria and Africans know where South Africa is, and we can take this war to their territory if need be.

“We cannot sit down and lament while this is happening. Life has no duplicate, and Nigerians are being killed for no reason.

“If this is the only thing the Senate discusses now, let it be,” the senator said.

DAILY POST had reported that Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole had asked Nigerian government to take action against South African companies in Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for justice and strengthening of the national accountability following the alleged extra-judicial killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi.

Addressing lawmakers on the brutal murder, Akpabio described the incident as “a matter that strikes at the moral fabric of our nation,” and said it demanded urgent attention from both the legislature and security authorities.

“Before we proceed with business, I consider it necessary to address the tragic extra-judicial killing of citizen Mele Ogidi, just 28 years old,” he said.

Ogidi, an indigene of Ujevwu in Udu Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead on April 26, 2026, in circumstances that have triggered public outrage and renewed concerns over alleged police brutality and misuse of force.

On behalf of the Senate and the National Assembly, Akpabio extended condolences to the bereaved family, the Ujevwu community, and Nigerians affected by the incident.

“Every Nigerian life is sacred. The strength of our Republic rests on the assurance that the life of every citizen, regardless of status, location, or circumstance, must be protected under the law,” he stated.

He stressed that national unity and stability depend on public confidence in state institutions, particularly security agencies.

“Every nation is built on trust—trust that the uniform of the state will protect, not harm; trust that authority will be exercised with restraint, not impunity; and trust that when wrong is done, justice will be swift, fair, and certain,” Akpabio added.

The Senate President acknowledged steps reportedly taken by the Nigerian Police Force, including the identification, dismissal, and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the killing

“Such decisive action sends a clear message that Nigeria will not shield misconduct and that accountability remains a cornerstone of our democracy,” he noted.

However, he insisted that the process must not end at preliminary actions, stressing the need for full and transparent justice.

“This commendable beginning must lead to conclusive justice. The Nigerian people expect and deserve nothing less than a transparent and diligent process that will culminate in justice being done and being seen to be done,” he said.

Akpabio also urged renewed commitment to justice, rule of law, and institutional strengthening, noting that law enforcement agencies must be both empowered and held accountable.

“In this hour of mourning, we are summoned to reaffirm our devotion to the sanctity of human life, the supremacy of the law, and the strengthening of our institutions,” he said.

He called on the senator representing the affected constituency to convey the Senate’s condolences to the family and urged authorities to ensure the case is fully investigated alongside broader police reforms.

“Let this moment of grief spur us to renew our resolve to build a nation where justice knows no bias, institutions command trust, and every Nigerian lives free from fear,” he added.

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased as calls for accountability and security reforms continue to grow nationwide.

Petroleum product marketers and retailers have hinted at a possible fresh petrol price drop as Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, partners with Chinese firms to restart Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

DAILY POST reports that after a long wait, NNPCL on April 30, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sanjiang Chemical Company and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co., Limited, to support the completion of Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Recall that in May last year, the Port Harcourt refinery was shut down for scheduled maintenance.

Since then, the state-owned refinery, together with Warri and Kaduna, has remained closed despite gulping around $18 billion and $25 billion on rehabilitation for the last two decades. Dangote Refinery, a private-owned plant in Lagos, became the lifeline.

While debate on the sustainability of the Nigerian refineries has remained critical, the Bayo Ojulari-led NNPCL’s recent move with Chinese firms leaves more expectations in the minds of stakeholders and Nigerians.

This becomes more important as the over two months old Middle East crisis leaves Nigeria and global economies in a precarious state.

The ripple effect of the Iran-United States-Israel war has made crude oil and domestic petrol prices double.

Checks by DAILY POST showed that Brent AND West Texas Intermediate stood at $112 and $104 per barrel, respectively, as domestic fuel rose to between N1,364 and N1,380 per liter from around N800 per liter in Abuja.

Increased petrol prices have pushed transportation costs up in Nigeria in the last two months, further worsening the economic hardship for many Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, the national president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said the restart of Nigerian refineries with NNPCL and Chinese firms’ MoU implementation would boost in-country refined product refining, adding that higher competition of local refined petroleum products will shoot down the prices.

“What we know is that the more refined products we get from any country, the higher the competition, driving down the price of any refined product, whether it’s PMS, AGO, aviation petrol, or any other. So it’s a good project.

“It’s been a long time coming, but now it’s there, so we are happy that this has happened,” he told DAILY POST.

Give incentive to Nigerians, marketers — IPMAN tells FG

On his part, spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, while noting that the restart of Nigerian refineries is most important at this time, urged the Nigerian government to roll out incentives for Nigerians and marketers to cushion the impact of petrol price volatility.

“Provide incentives for motorists and also marketers in terms of funding. At that level marketers will reduce their prices at the pumps.

Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has submitted his governorship nomination form to the All Progressives Congress, APC, indicating his intention to seek a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The nomination form was presented on Monday in Abuja, where the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, received it on behalf of the party.

Argungu expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership and electoral prospects, commending his administration’s performance in infrastructure development and social welfare in Kebbi State.

He said the party was satisfied with the governor’s achievements and expressed confidence in his chances in the 2027 election.

Responding through his deputy, Senator Abubakar Umar-Tafida, Governor Idris thanked the party for its support and pledged to build on his administration’s achievements.

He also urged the people of Kebbi State to sustain their support, assuring them of continued delivery of development projects.

The governor was accompanied by political figures and government officials, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former governors and lawmakers; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida; and the Acting Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Samaila Muhammad Bagudo.

Others included members of the National Assembly, state commissioners, APC executives, and other political stakeholders.