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.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has declined to issue orders stopping the launch and construction of the planned KSh 2 trillion Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu County.
In a ruling made public on Monday, 28 September 2026, the court instead directed both parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed land in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area until the matter is heard on 14 October 2026.
The case was brought by 133 residents of Chandavai. They claim the land is their ancestral heritage, where their families have lived and farmed for generations. The residents say they do not oppose development but want their land rights recognised before the project proceeds.
The court ordered the government and other respondents to file their responses within 14 days. The application is scheduled for hearing on 14 October 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is expected to go ahead as planned on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. While the court has not halted the ceremony at this stage, the status quo order means activities on the disputed site may be restricted pending the October hearing.
Business
Oil Rises As US Rejects Iran Proposal
Iran said it is waiting for a definitive US response to its seven-day proposal to reopen the strait and other demands, adding that it will not ease its conditions after Trump rejected Tehran’s latest plan.
Brent crude climbed above $106 per barrel on Monday, recovering losses from the previous session after President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns that the restoration of oil flows through the critical waterway could face further delays.
Trump also said Tehran had overplayed its hand and expects negotiations to resume this week.
Meanwhile, Iran said it is waiting for a definitive US response to its seven-day proposal to reopen the strait and other demands, adding that it will not ease its conditions after Trump rejected Tehran’s latest plan.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, tensions remain high as Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi drones heading toward Riyadh, along with a missile targeting Khamis Mushait in the south.
Alerts were also issued in Abha and Jazan, where Aramco operates energy facilities.
In the US, Trump is considering a ban on diesel exports as part of efforts to address elevated fuel prices.
Business
NGX Debuts Invest WhatsApp Channel
The channel provides investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.
Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has expanded access to its NGX Invest platform with the launch of a WhatsApp subscription channel.
The channel provides investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.
Investors can begin the subscription process by sending “Invest” to NGX Invest on WhatsApp at +234 812 731 9521.
They can then follow the prompts to view eligible offers and complete the required subscription steps without downloading a separate application.
As part of the process, investors will select a stockbroker through whom their application will be processed, ensuring that brokers remain an integral part of the investment journey.
(VANGUARD)
UPDATE: Malindi Court Declines to Halt Dangote Refinery Launch in Lamu
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