NEWS
Court Rules FCCPC Lacks Power to Regulate Prices in Free Market Economy
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) does not have the legal authority to regulate or question how companies determine the prices of their products or services in Nigeria’s free market economy.The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, came in a suit filed by Multichoice Nigeria—operators of DStv and GOtv—challenging the FCCPC’s interference in its pricing structure. The company also sought protection from an earlier legal challenge filed by lawyer Festus Onifade, which sought to restrain Multichoice from increasing subscription prices on its pay-TV platforms.Although Justice Omotosho dismissed the case as an abuse of court process—given that a similar suit involving the same parties was already ongoing—he offered a decisive interpretation of the FCCPC’s regulatory authority.The judge held that under Nigeria’s current economic system, which is based on free market principles, the FCCPC lacks the power to set or control prices. Citing Section 88 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), Justice Omotosho emphasized that only the President of Nigeria is legally empowered to regulate the prices of goods and services—and only under specific circumstances.According to the court, such presidential powers can only be applied to essential goods or services within regulated industries. Furthermore, any delegation of this power to another body, such as the FCCPC, must be done through a formal, gazetted instrument—something the court said does not exist in this case.“The power to fix prices cannot be exercised by any other person or agency except the President. If delegated, it must be by an instrument and published in the gazette,” Justice Omotosho said. “There is no such delegation before this court; therefore, any action taken by the FCCPC in this regard is beyond its legal authority.”The judge added that in an open market economy like Nigeria’s, price controls can only apply across an entire industry and not be targeted at a single company unless there is clear evidence of monopoly or dominant market power.He criticized the FCCPC’s actions as discriminatory, pointing out that other operators in the same market segment have not faced similar scrutiny. “The defendant failed to show any proof that Multichoice holds a dominant position in the market or that the price increases were excessive,” he said.Justice Omotosho also highlighted that consumers have the freedom to choose from multiple service providers. He noted that the theory of “willing seller, willing buyer” applies in this context, and therefore the FCCPC’s attempt to limit Multichoice’s pricing decisions was unjustified.“The FCCPC’s responsibility is to monitor and act against anti-competitive practices. It is not compulsory for Nigerians to subscribe to Multichoice’s services,” the judge ruled.The court also aligned with an earlier decision by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT), which ruled similarly in favor of Multichoice, describing that ruling as “well-considered.”In conclusion, the court reinforced the principle that in a free market economy, companies are at liberty to determine their prices, and any attempt to intervene must follow due legal and constitutional process.
Zamfara State Executive Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal has commended the troops for their efforts and commitment to the fight against banditry in the state.On Saturday, the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Zamfara Police Command successfully recovered 329 cattle and 175 sheep from bandits in the Gambanda forest in Gummi Local Government.Governor Lawal, while appreciating the troops, described the Zamfara State Police’s renewed efforts as encouraging and promising in the fight against banditry.He said, “I commend the effort of all the security operatives in Zamfara State, especially the Zamfara State Police Command, for its resilience, bravery and commitment in recovering 329 cattle, 175 sheep, weapons and ammunition from bandits.”The police engaged and overpowered the bandits in Gambanda forest in Gummi local government area, which led to the recovery.”This commendable action reflects their tireless work in the face of challenges posed by criminal elements and underscores the police’s role in protecting the livelihoods of the people of Zamfara State.”The remarkable display of bravery and the successful recovery of livestock and weapons highlight the strong leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammad Bello. His guidance has been instrumental in improving public safety and combating banditry.”My administration remains committed to providing support to all security agencies in their efforts to ensure safety and security for our people.”
The Zamfara State Government is pleased to announce that His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the payment of allowances/stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state. The approval reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of corps members who are contributing to the development of various sectors across Zamfara State.
The approval covers corps members from Batch A Stream I and II up to Batch C Stream I and II. Through this gesture, the government recognizes and appreciates the patriotism, dedication, and selfless service being rendered by the young graduates in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other areas critical to the growth and progress of the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal has directed the Office of the Accountant General to put in place all necessary arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the approval. The government is committed to ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with established procedures.
The Zamfara State Government remains grateful to the NYSC members for choosing to serve in the state and for their invaluable contributions to community development.
The administration will continue to prioritize initiatives aimed at supporting corps members and creating an enabling environment that will allow them to discharge their national responsibilities effectively.
Aviation
From Doha to the World: Qatar Airways Takes Off to Over 160 Global Destinations This Summer
• The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, is adding 26 destinations to its network
• With its return to iconic gateways in Asia and Europe and the launch of new routes in the Americas, the airline is restoring connectivity to key global markets • Qatar Airways’ award-winning travel experience includes secure and seamless transfers through its Hamad International Airport hub, and inflight connectivity with Starlink – the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways continues to deliver on its commitment to network restoration, and is steadily expanding its reach to more than 160 gateways for the ease and convenience of international travellers. The airline is returning to 26 destinations in key global markets. The World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, resumed safe and secure operations from March 2026 to over 60 destinations. It gradually began rebuilding its network to facilitate connectivity across the globe, and will now serve more than 160 destinations this summer. Qatar Airways’ award-winning passenger experience is delivered on the tenets of operational reliability and safety. The airline delivered 84.42% on-time performance in 2025, which has been recognised by Cirium – the leading aviation analytics organisation, with the prestigious Platinum Award for Operational Excellence. Travellers also benefit from seamless transfers through Qatar Airways’ hub, Hamad International Airport. A destination in its own right, Hamad International Airport is home to Qatar Duty Free’s extensive portfolio of diverse lifestyle and dining outlets for travellers from every walk of life. The travel experience is made more rewarding through the airline’s loyalty programme, Privilege Club. Members can earn and spend Avios during their journey to unlock future benefits. The airline’s onboard experience is supported by Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. More than 140 Qatar Airways aircraft are equipped with Starlink, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet. Passengers in both Premium and Economy cabins enjoy Wi-Fi speeds of up to 500 Mbps per aircraft. Qatar Airways’ Summer 2026 Global Network: Along with the previously announced Port Sudan (PZU) route to be launched on 2 July, the airline is returning to the following African destinations: • Kigali (KGL), Rwanda, with two weekly flights • Seychelles (SEZ), Seychelles, with four weekly flights • Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco, with seven weekly flights With service to Caracas (CCS) and Bogotá (BOG) starting from 22 July, its return to Philadelphia (PHL) from 1 August, Qatar Airways is reinstating its network in the Americas with four weekly flights to Boston (BOS). As the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Qatar Airways is increasing its service to Boston from four to seven weekly flights to support fan travel during football’s biggest tournament. Additional FIFA host cities supported by Qatar Airways’ increased flights include: • Los Angeles (LAX), USA: increased from four to seven weekly flights • Miami (MIA), USA: increased from seven to 10 weekly flights • San Francisco (SFO), USA: increased from four to seven weekly flights In Asia and Asia Pacific, the airline is returning to the following destinations: • Adelaide (ADL), Australia, with seven weekly flights • Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan, with seven weekly flights • Auckland (AKL), New Zealand, with seven weekly flights • Baku (GYD), Azerbaijan, with seven weekly flights • Osaka (KIX), Japan, with five weekly flights • Tashkent (TAS), Uzbekistan, with four weekly flights • Tbilisi (TBS), Georgia, with seven weekly flights • Tokyo Haneda (HND), Japan, with four weekly flights (increased to seven weekly flights from 1 August) • Yerevan (EVN), Armenia, with four weekly flights Qatar Airways’ expanded service in Europe includes the following destinations: • Belgrade (BEG), Serbia, with four weekly flights • Brussels (BRU), Belgium, with seven weekly flights • Budapest (BUD), Hungary, with four weekly flights • Düsseldorf (DUS), Germany, with seven weekly flights • Helsinki (HEL), Finland, with four weekly flights (increased to seven weekly flights from 1 August) • Lisbon (LIS), Portugal, with seven weekly flights • Oslo (OSL), Norway, with seven weekly flights • Prague (PRG), Czech Republic, with seven weekly flights • Zagreb (ZAG), Croatia, with four weekly flights
Insecurity: Governor Dauda Lawal Commends Troops for Recovering Ammunitions, Rustled Cattle
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Payment of Allowance to NYSC Members Serving in Zamfara
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