The Federal Government has inaugurated the board of Federal Competitive and Consumer Protection Commission and Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Tribunal and urged the members to shun corrupt practices and undue interference.
The minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Richard Adebayo while inaugurating the two boards said that Consumer Protection is crucial in achieving the development goals of the current administration.
The Minister who warns against interference in the day-to-day running of the organisations also said the board has the responsibilities of monitoring staff performance, ensuring more accountability, among others.
The minister called on the board and tribunal members to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of their newly assigned duties, saying the government will not hesitate to punish any corrupt practices perpetrated by any board members while in office.
“Let me reiterate that the board shall not be involved in the day-to-day operations which are the sole responsibility of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of FCCPC, and chairman of the tribunal who is the accounting officers.
“As you are all aware, this present administration has zero-tolerance for any form of corruption and this stance must not be compromised in any way.
“Government will punish any corrupt practices perpetrated by any board members as well as the management team” Adebayo, said.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, called on the members of the two bodies to get acquainted with relevant documents and instruments that will guide them in the efficient performance of their duties.
Amb. Katagum, expressed delight in the composition of the two bodies and said having a woman as chairman of the tribunal testified to the gender balance stance of the president Muhamadu Buhari’s administration.
In her reaction, the chairperson of the tribunal, Hajia Saratu Shafii, said no stone would be left unturned to ensure Nigerians get value for their money.
“We will protect Nigerians from unfair trade practices. We will change the perception of Nigerians who believed they have been held captive by service providers,” she said.
The tribunal boss, who pledged the readiness of the team to perform according to expectations, however, called on the government to provide office space and other logistics to enable them to hit the ground running.
Other members of the tribunal are George Mbonu South-east; Thomas Okosun South-south; Umar Duhu North-east; Ibrahim El-Yakubu (North-west; Sola Ajulo South-west; and Kenneth Gyado North-central.