News
FG fines British American Tobacco $110m for breaching control laws
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has fined British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) and other affiliated companies $110 million for “infractions” of several laws.
In a statement on Wednesday, FCCPC said the affiliated companies are British American Tobacco Marketing (Nigeria) Limited (BATMN), British American Tobacco Plc, and British American Tobacco (Holdings) Limited.
Describing the companies as BAT Parties, the commission said they contravened the FCCPC Act, and the National Tobacco Control Act, among others.
Following an investigation that began on August 28, 2020, the commission said it reached a final resolution with the companies in late 2023.
However, FCCPC did not mention the infractions linked to British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and its affiliated companies.
FCCPC said it initiated the investigation based on credible intelligence, which called for a broader and deeper inquiry into the companies’ conduct.
Upon satisfying the federal high court that there was probable cause and sufficient evidence to exercise advanced investigatory tools, FCCPC said “the court issued an Order and Warrant of Search and Seizure”.
“In furtherance, and pursuant to the Order and Warrant, the Commission on January 25, 2021 executed simultaneous and contemporaneous searches and seizures at multiple BAT Parties locations and a location of a service provider,” the statement said.
“The Commission gathered, received and procured substantial evidence from forensic analysis of electronic communications and other information/data obtained during the search, as well as other evidence procured during, and after the search from other legitimate sources.
“Additional investigation, including proffers, hearings, transcripts of sworn testimonies, and continuing analysis of evidence established and supported multiple violations of the FCCPA and other enactments.
“During the investigation and in furtherance of mutual engagements between the Commission and BAT Parties, BAT Parties in writing sought, and the Commission accepted BAT Parties into cooperation under the Commission’s Cooperation/Assistance Rules & Procedure, 2021 (CARP).
“The Cooperation/Assistance Framework (CAF) provides for benefits such as possible reduced monetary penalties (Rule 4.1); waiver of the application of the Commission’s Administrative Penalties Regulations 2020 (Rule 4.2); as well as prosecutorial discretion, particularly Rules 5.1 and 5.3 (subject to compliance with Rules 3 and 5.4).”
‘BAT PARTIES, FCCPC EXECUTE MUTUAL CONSENT AGREEMENT’
According to the commission, it mutually executed a consent order and notice with BAT parties, ending the investigation after considering “the record, evidence, and violations” under the law.
“BAT Parties shall pay a penalty of $110,000,000 (One Hundred and Ten Million Dollars) under and pursuant to Sections 155 of the FCCPA, Clause 11 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Administrative Penalties Regulations, 2020 and Clause 4.2 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Investigative Cooperation/Assistance Rules and Procedures, 2021,” the commission said.
FCCPC said the order also mandates that BAT Parties are subject to monitoring under its supervision for 24 months to “ensure appropriate business practices modification to be more consistent with compliance with prevailing competition laws/regulations; and tobacco control efforts”.
The commission said the companies would be required to conduct mandatory public health and tobacco control advocacy, compliant with legislation and regulations, to mitigate evidence of undermining national policies.
According to FCCPC, “BAT Parties shall provide Written Assurances to the Commission pursuant to Section 153 of the FCCPA as required”.
“In exchange for BAT Parties fulfilling their obligations under the Consent Order, the Commission withdrew pending criminal charges against BATN and at least one employee with respect to obstructing the Commission by attempting to prevent execution of the search warrant and initial lack of cooperation/compliance with steps in the investigation,” FCCPC said.
The commission expressed commitment to its mandate of promoting and ensuring fair markets and protecting consumer interests.
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.
In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.
Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.
“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”
There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.
“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.
President Bola Tinubu has sacked Chioma Ejikeme, the executive secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
The development comes almost a week after retirees under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) staged a protest at the federal ministry of finance, Abuja, over unpaid benefits since March 2023.
In a statement on Monday, Olugbenga Ajayi, head of the corporate communications unit at PTAD, announced that Tolulope Odunaiya has been appointed as the new executive secretary of the organisation.
According to the statement, Odunaiya officially assumed office at the PTAD headquarters on November 18, succeeding Ejikeme, who served from August 2019 to November 2024.
Ejikeme was removed from office 13 months after she was reappointed for a second term by Tinubu in October 2023.
“We are delighted to inform our Publics especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the substantive Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the statement reads.
“Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November, 2024 at the PTAD Headquarters where Management and Staff of the Directorate welcomed her warmly. She is taking over from Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme who was the Executive Secretary from August 2019 to November 2024.”
In her address to the staff members, according to the statement, Odunaiya pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors.
She assured the team of a new chapter — one focused on collaboration, unity, and a common purpose — aimed at achieving significant results and lasting progress.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point,” Odunaiya said.
“My vision is for a Directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.
“I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances.”
‘PENSIONERS ARE BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT’
Odunaiya said pensioners are the backbone of the nation’s history and development, having dedicated their time, expertise, and efforts to shaping the Nigeria inherited today.
“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement years fulfilling,” she added.
The executive secretary pledged to align with PTAD’s mission and vision in support of Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda for a prosperous Nigeria.
She said by prioritising efficiency, accountability, and compassion, the organisation will help create a nation where all citizens, particularly those who devoted their lives to public service, feel valued and supported.
According to the statement, Odinaiya toured the various departments and units within the directorate to get firsthand information on its administration and processes.
President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to “enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery”.
In a statement on Monday night, Bayo Onanuga said Sunday Dare, the special adviser on public communication and national orientation, is now the special adviser on media and public communications.
Onanuga added that Daniel Bwala, announced last week as a special adviser on media and public communication, will now function as the special adviser on policy communication.
“These appointments, along with the existing role of special adviser, information and strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the presidency,” the statement reads.
“Instead, all three special advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.
“This approach aims to ensure effective and consistent communication of government policies, decisions, and engagements.”
There had been some confusion as Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.
However, on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesperson.
“Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House). I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage on that even for more synergy,” he wrote on his X handle.
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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others
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