Abuja: A landmark court judgment has affirmed that every sector, including healthcare, must answer to the nation’s consumer protection laws.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says this decision upholds its authority to investigate medical negligence. It signals that no commercial entity is above accountability.
Mr Tunji Bello, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, said this in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr Ondaje Ijagwu. He hailed the judgment and described it as symbolic.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a suit filed by Life Bridge Medical Diagnostic Centre Ltd.
Bello reiterated the importance of the court’s confirmation of consumer protection accountability for all commercial service sectors.
He said the court’s decision affirmed that consumers were entitled to protection and lawful redress in all sectors where services were provided for value, including healthcare.
BelloBello said the decision affirmed a distinction between sector-specific professional regulation and consumer protection. Both are separate statutory functions that can operate together in the public interest. The commission’s unique role was not to replace professional bodies or sector regulators, but to ensure that consumers who paid for services were treated fairly and received services that met the law’s standards.
He said this court judgment substantially strengthens accountability and reinforces consumer protection standards in all commercial service sectors.
He saHe said the Commission remained committed to engaging with healthcare providers, professional bodies, regulators, and stakeholders. Its goal is to promote quality service delivery, accountability, and stronger consumer confidence. The commission quoted the judge, who said that healthcare services are among those subject to consumer protection oversight under the Act.
The Court further held that where a complaint involves consumer satisfaction, such issues may fall within the commission’s consumer protection mandate. This applies even if the sector is also professionally regulated.
The Court recognised a clear distinction. Professional regulation and discipline of medical practitioners remain the responsibility of relevant professional bodies. Consumer protection oversight concerns the quality and fairness of services.
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