BAT pays $110m fine to FCCPC over customer infractions 

British American Tobacco (BAT) has fully paid the sum of $110 million as fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for various business infractions. Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, confirmed the payment during a media briefing in Abuja saying it’s significant development for consumer protection and corporate accountability in Nigeria. “The full $110 million was paid at the official exchange rate at that time through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Federal Government received 40 percent of the amount, while 60 percent went to the FCCPC,” Abdullahi stated. 

The fine, which addressed violations of multiple national laws including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the National Tobacco Control Act, was settled in two instalments in early 2023. Dr. Abdullahi, who assumed his role in January 2024, used the briefing to highlight the Commission’s recent regulatory actions across various sectors.  “In this period, we have actively worked to prevent anticompetitive practices, protect consumers, and foster a competitive market,” he noted. 

Key initiatives included measures to curb food price gouging, implementation of a regulatory framework for digital money lenders, and investigations into high airfares charged by international airlines. The FCCPC also recently imposed a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC for alleged discriminatory practices in Nigeria.  Addressing ongoing issues in the energy sector, Abdullahi commented on Shell’s divestment plans and the Dangote Refinery’s product quality disputes, stating, “We are closely monitoring these situations to ensure consumer interests are protected.”