President Bola Tinubu has nominated Olatunji Bello as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission‘s (FCCPC) CEO and executive vice-chairman (EVC).
Tinubu appointed Bello, pending Senate confirmation.
Bello is a lawyer, administrator, and recognised journalist, according to Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president, media and publicity, who announced the nomination.
Ngelale said:
“He is the former secretary to the Lagos State Government and holds a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.”
“Mr. Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, National Concord.
“He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.
“He also served as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State.”
Ngelale stated that Tinubu expects Bello to oversee the holistic implementation of the FCCPC’s purpose of safeguarding and promoting the interests and welfare of Nigerian consumers, as well as the adoption of measures to assure the safety and quality of goods and services.
His appointment came six months after Tinubu dismissed Babatunde Irukera as CEO and EVC.
Irukera was appointed director general (DG) of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in April 2017, but when the CPC was merged into the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in December 2019, he became the EVC.