A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by United Bank for Africa Plc challenging the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), in a ruling that strengthens consumer protection in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, upheld the Commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints involving banks and other financial institutions, rejecting UBA’s arguments in their entirety.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025, sought to determine whether the FCCPC could exercise oversight over a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA had relied on provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 to argue that the Commission lacked jurisdiction over its operations and services. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that those provisions do not limit the FCCPC’s role in matters relating to competition and consumer protection within the financial sector.
In his judgment, the court made it clear that the commission remains the primary agency responsible for receiving and investigating consumer complaints in Nigeria. The judge noted that no provision in BOFIA or the CBN Act grants similar powers to the apex bank in this regard.
“The FCCPC is therefore the proper agency to investigate such consumer complaints,” Justice Omotosho held.
Beyond dismissing the suit, the court imposed a ₦2 million fine on UBA, describing the case as “frivolous and unmeritorious.”
The ruling reinforces the legal standing of the FCCPC Act, particularly Section 104, which gives the Commission overriding authority in matters related to competition and consumer protection, subject only to the Constitution.
FCCPC welcomes ruling
Reacting to the judgment, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello described the decision as a major win for bank customers. He said the ruling provides clarity on how sector regulators and consumer protection frameworks should work together.
The FCCPC said it will continue to engage financial institutions in line with due process while encouraging proactive resolution of customer complaints.
With the court’s position now clearly defined, the ruling is expected to shape future interactions between regulators, banks, and consumers, setting a precedent for how consumer protection is enforced in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Similar read: Court stops FCCPC from enforcing 2025 digital lending rules
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