By Kasim Isa Muhammad
British American Tobacco (BAT) has been slapped with a hefty $110 million fine by the Nigerian government.
The hefty penalty stems from a range of violations uncovered by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), including abuse of market dominance, hindering competitors, and disregarding public health regulations.
The FCCPC’s investigation, launched in 2020, uncovered a trail of concerning practices by BAT.
The company was found to penalize retailers who dared to display competitors’ products equally, and even introduced new products in defiance of regulations.
TCR gathered that the actions not only stifled competition but also potentially jeopardized public health by flouting tobacco control measures.
In addition to the hefty fine, BAT will face 24 months of strict compliance and monitoring.
The company is also mandated to engage in public health advocacy and provide written guarantees to the FCCPC.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, emphasized the importance of holding corporations accountable.
He highlighted the role of the commission in ensuring a stable and fair market environment, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers.
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