Business
Competition Tribunal Orders Coca – Cola to pay N190 million misleading Fines Within 60 Days
Upholding the FCCPC’s five-year investigation, findings, and imposed penalties, the tribunal ruled that NBC’s conduct constituted misleading practices in violation of Nigerian law.
The tribunal criticised the FCCPC’s acceptance of the post-judgment settlement, saying it conflicted with the commission’s regulatory obligations.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal ( CCPT) has ordered the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), also known as Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited to pay the N190 million administrative penalty imposed on the company for misleading packaging, within 60 days .
This was contrary to the settlement reached between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the NBC in the case that stemmed from an August 2024 announcement by the FCCPC in which it accused Coca-Cola and NBC of engaging in unfair marketing tactics and misleading consumers.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, April 28, a three-member panel led by presiding judge Thomas Okosun dismissed NBC’s application to adopt the settlement terms as judgment, describing it as an “attempt to arrest judgment.”
NBC’s counsel, O. Ogunride, had informed the tribunal of a settlement agreement reached with the FCCPC, requesting its adoption as a consent judgment.
The FCCPC’s representative, Abimbola Ojenike, confirmed the existence of the settlement, stating that discussions had been finalised with Akoji Achimugu, the commission’s legal director.
However, the tribunal pointed out that the terms of settlement were filed after judgment had been reserved and both parties had submitted their final written arguments.
Okosun ruled that “the notion of arrest of judgment is unknown to Nigerian law,” stressing that entering a settlement at this stage exceeded the FCCPC’s statutory authority and undermined its role as a regulator.
The tribunal criticised the FCCPC’s acceptance of the post-judgment settlement, saying it conflicted with the commission’s regulatory obligations.
The tribunal emphasized its constitutional duty to the public, asserting that it could not engage in private compromises between parties.
The panel also criticized the FCCPC’s sudden shift from its earlier position, noting that the proposed settlement declared “there is no penalty,” directly contradicting the commission’s findings from its investigation.
Consequently, the tribunal rejected the settlement and proceeded to deliver its final judgment.
Upholding the FCCPC’s five-year investigation, findings, and imposed penalties, the tribunal ruled that NBC’s conduct constituted misleading practices in violation of Nigerian law.
It affirmed that the ₦190 million administrative penalty was consistent with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
NBC’s appeal was dismissed for lack of merit, and the company was ordered to pay the fine within 60 days.
Business
NPA initiate trucks movement code to ease traffic at Lagos ports
The initiative is designed to ensure that each truck is matched exclusively to its designated empty container, eliminate multiple allocations, improve traffic management and enhance operational efficiency within the port corridor.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a movement code to streamline the movement of empty containers into seaport terminals and reduce traffic congestion caused by container trucks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
The Guardian reported that under the new policy, the movement code will serve as a unique identifier generated by a holding bay for every empty container uploaded to the Electronic Call-Up (ETO) platform.
The code must correspond with the details captured on the ETO system before trucks are granted access to port terminals.
In a notice issued to stakeholders, the NPA said the movement code has become a mandatory requirement for completing the truck-container matching process.
Truck drivers are required to obtain the code from designated holding bays before proceeding to the ports.
According to the authority, the initiative is designed to ensure that each truck is matched exclusively to its designated empty container, eliminate multiple allocations, improve traffic management and enhance operational efficiency within the port corridor.
Business
Okonjo-Iweala lauds Cardoso for stabilising Nigeria’s monetary environment
Okonjo-Iweala, gave the commendation on Thursday at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum held in Abuja, with the theme: “Building Resilience Amidst Geo-economic Uncertainties.”
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has commended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, for stabilising Nigeria’s monetary environment.
Okonjo-Iweala, gave the commendation on Thursday at the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum held in Abuja, with the theme: “Building Resilience Amidst Geo-economic Uncertainties.”
Speaking at the forum, Okonjo-Iweala commended Cardoso on the work that he and his team have done on currency and monetary policy stabilisation.
However, she emphasised that Nigeria must sustain broader macroeconomic reforms.
“Nigerians have to feel the dividends of reform in the real economy,” she added.
The forum brought together policymakers, business leaders and development partners to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s resilience amid growing global economic uncertainty.
Business
Naira Exchange Rates Thursday, July 30 : Black Market, CBN, Commercial Bank
Sterling Bank publishes both a buy rate and a sell rate for USD, GBP, EUR, and ZAR. The buy rate is what Sterling Bank will pay you when you exchange foreign currency for Naira. The sell rate is what you will pay when buying foreign currency from Sterling Bank at its branches.
BLACK MARKET RATES
US DOLLAR (USD) Buy ₦1,407 Sell ₦1,415
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) Buy ₦1,900 Sell: ₦1,925
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,590 Sell ₦1,610
CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) Buy ₦1,020 Sell ₦1,080
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE DIRHAM Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370 CHINESE YUAN Buy ₦190 Sell ₦205
GHANA CEDI (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
WEST AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 300 Sell ₦2, 400
CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2,150 Sell 2,250
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Commercial Bank Exchange Rates
Sterling Bank
Currency Buy Sell
USD / NGN ₦1350.00 ₦1385.00
GBP / NGN ₦1775.23 ₦1862.81
EUR / NGN ₦1518.76 ₦1599.69
ZAR / NGN ₦80.66 ₦85.12
CBN Exchange Rates
US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,366.71
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,815.82
EURO (EUR) ₦1,555.32
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,666.72
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.34
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201. 99
WEST AFRICAN CFA (XOF) ₦2. 37
WEST AFRICAN UNIT ACCOUNT (WAUA) ₦1,849.04
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦364.02
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦81.46
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