Federal High Court Affirms FCCPC Authority Over Banks Following Legal Challenge From United Bank for Africa

Justice James Omotosho affirms FCCPC’s authority to investigate bank consumer complaints, dismissing UBA’s challenge to the agency's jurisdiction over CBN-licensed firms.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 8:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Judicial Landmark for Consumer Rights

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has secured a significant legal victory following a Federal High Court ruling that solidifies its regulatory oversight of the Nigerian financial sector. Executive Vice Chairman Tunji Bello characterized the judgment as a major milestone for bank customers who have historically faced unfair treatment from service providers. The court's decision provides much needed judicial clarity on how sector specific regulations by the Central Bank of Nigeria interact with the broader consumer protection framework.

Jurisdictional Dispute with United Bank for Africa

The legal proceedings were initiated by the United Bank for Africa in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1972/2025. The bank contested whether the FCCPC possessed the statutory mandate to oversee the operations, products, or services of financial institutions already licensed and regulated by the CBN. UBA’s primary argument rested on the premise that the banking sector should remain under the exclusive purview of financial regulators, a position the court ultimately rejected.

Statutory Supremacy of the FCCPC Act

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho affirmed the commission's authority by citing specific provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, including Sections 1, 2, 17(e), and 104. The judge noted that these sections grant the agency overriding powers in competition and consumer protection matters, which effectively supersede other conflicting laws. This interpretation ensures that the commission can investigate consumer grievances involving banks without jurisdictional interference from other regulatory bodies.