The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has encouraged the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution to help resolve consumer complaints more efficiently.
The CJN maintained that the Nigerian judiciary will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of consumer rights and the preservation of market integrity through principled and well-reasoned judicial decisions, and emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain prepared to handle complex disputes, especially with the rise of digital markets and new technologies.
The CJN made the statement while declaring the 3-day workshop on “Addressing Legal and Adjudicatory Issues in Competition and Consumer Protection under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018” organized by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, holding at the NJI Complex, Abuja, open.
In his welcome address, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice B. A. Adejumo, OFR, noted that the training was organized to help judicial officers better understand competition law, the structure of the FCCPA, and emerging issues in areas such as digital markets and financial technology.
The Administrator encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and share their experiences from the bench. Justice Adejumo also expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, for her support for judicial education and wished participants fruitful deliberations.
Similarly, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr. Tunji Bello, in his introductory remarks averred that the programme reflects the growing collaboration between the National Judicial Institute and the FCCPC in promoting fair competition, consumer protection, and effective market regulation in Nigeria.
Mr Bello emphasized the important role of the courts in interpreting the law and resolving disputes arising from modern commercial activities, technological developments, and market practices. He also highlighted the need for constructive engagement between the judiciary and regulatory authorities in order to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fairness in the marketplace.
Group photographs were taken to commemorate the official opening of the programme. The session brought together the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, the administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice B. A. Adejumo, OFR, senior judicial officers, officials of the FCCPC, representatives of the National Judicial Institute, facilitators, and participants, marking the formal commencement of the strategic judicial training programme.
