By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal to dismiss Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited’s (CCNL) amended appeal against the N186,666,666.67 penalty imposed for its labelling and marketing practices.

According to a statement shared by the consumer protection agency, the FCCPC had previously imposed a N186 million penalty on CCNL.

This is after formally accusing Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd and its sister company of misleading trade descriptions and employing unfair marketing tactics in their products, Original Taste and Less Sugar.

However, CCNL appealed the commission’s decision, describing the penalty as “outrageous” and alleging that the FCCPC lacked jurisdiction to impose and enforce such orders.

The company argued that the FCCPC had assumed judicial powers that should be exercised by the tribunal.

In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the FCCPC alleged that Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd and NBC deceived the public by describing the variant Coca-Cola Original Taste, Less Sugar as identical to Coca-Cola Original Taste in terms of formulation.

“Furthermore, Coca-Cola and NBC, after regulatory intervention, failed to take appropriate steps to address their misleading behaviour. This demonstrates that the companies intentionally misrepresented Coca-Cola Original Taste, Less Sugar as Coca-Cola Original Taste as part of a deliberate business strategy,” the commission added.

Coca-Cola, through its counsel, Mr Gbolahan Elias SAN, approached the tribunal, citing 15 legal grounds against the FCCPC’s decision.

CCNL also claimed that the FCCPC acted as complainant, investigator, prosecutor, and judge, thereby violating the company’s constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing.

In its formal reply to CCNL’s amended appeal dated October 22, 2024, FCCPC lawyer Abimbola Ojenike raised 13 opposing grounds against the brand’s request to quash the penalty and accusations.

The FCCPC argued that Coca-Cola’s claims of procedural unfairness and bias are baseless. It emphasized that the company was provided with extensive opportunities for a fair hearing, including participation in investigations, written submissions, and multiple consultative meetings.

It claimed that Coca-Cola allegedly admitted to regulatory violations and pledged remedial actions but failed to differentiate its Coca-Cola Original from Coca-Cola Less Sugar.

The FCCPC also maintained that it has the statutory authority to issue and enforce orders, and nothing in Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution invalidates the administrative penalties or directives issued under the FCCPA.

The commission asserted its authority to investigate consumer and competition issues related to misleading branding and labelling practices under several sections of the FCCPA, 2018.

FCCPC stated that its findings on Coca-Cola’s products are valid, legally justifiable, and supported by evidence in its final investigative report and maintained that its findings are factual and verifiable, based on due process.

The FCCPC also denied making any conclusive findings on CCNL’s abuse of market dominance.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To make the holiday season a truly memorable one for subscribers, GOtv Nigeria has announced a promo known as Open Window from December 13, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

Through this offer, customers on the pay-TV platform on lower-tier packages can enjoy premium content typically available on GOtv Supa Plus.

The brand noted that the Open Window is the perfect opportunity for subscribers to explore the GOtv Supa Plus package, which now comes with a festive saving of N1,800.

For just N13,900, instead of the usual N15,700, families can unlock an even wider range of entertainment to enjoy throughout the season.

In the Open Window campaign, GOtv said sports fans can catch all the action live and stay updated with their favourite team in the Premier League and La Liga from December 13 to 16.

However, for families, all movie and kids’ channels will be open during the duration of the promo, ensuring endless hours of captivating stories and animated adventures for viewers of all ages.

Music and culture enthusiasts are not left out either as Channel 49 will serve as a dedicated hub for concerts, carols, and carnivals happening throughout December, celebrating the best of the festive spirit.

From soulful Christmas carols to vibrant cultural displays, this channel promises to be a highlight for audiences seeking unique festive experiences.

It further said subscribers can look forward to premium highlights, including the much-anticipated Bovi Comedy Special airing from December 24 to 26, a variety of nostalgic movies such as Shark Tale and Yogi Bear on M-Net Movies 4 (GOtv Channel 3), and festive classics sure to rekindle fond memories.

To join in the excitement, all subscribers need to do is ensure their GOtv accounts are active. Those who have not subscribed or reconnected can do so conveniently via the MyGOtv app or by dialling *288#. GOtv also invites fans to share their festive moments on social media using #GOtvBetaSeason, sparking conversations and celebrating the joy of togetherness.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Residents of Egbin, Ijede, and Ipakan in Lagos State recently trooped out for the 7th Annual Medical Outreach of Egbin Power.

The three-day medical outreach was organised in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Livewell Initiative in line with the power-generating company’s commitment to ensuring healthy lives and well-being of its host communities.

This programme also aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being.

The outreach attracted over three thousand people, including children, adults and nursing mothers, who enjoyed cardiovascular, arthritis, dental, eye-check, diabetes tests, malaria treatment, hepatitis screening, and blood pressure examination.

It was gathered that eyeglasses, dental kits, and medications were administered at no cost to the residents after careful examination by qualified medical practitioners.

“At Egbin Power, we recognise that the health and well-being of our host communities is crucial to our success. This medical outreach programme is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to giving back to our host communities.

“It is also in alignment with our commitment to SDG 3 and we believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and we will continue to work towards making it a reality for all,” the Head of Corporate Communications and Branding at Egbin Power, Mr Felix Ofulue, stated.

“We are proud to partner with Egbin Power on this medical outreach programme. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of the people in these communities,” the Managing Director of Livewell Initiative, Dr Bisi Bright, said.

Also speaking at the event, the Aro of Egbin Kingdom, Mr Olayemi Olukunga, said, “We are grateful to Egbin Power for their kindness and generosity. This medical outreach programme has become an annual tradition that we look forward to, and we appreciate the positive impact it has on our community.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Wasilat Ogundipe, thanked Egbin Power for the gesture, saying, “It affords us timely access to free medical examinations, enabling our children, parents and vulnerable community members to address their health concerns.”