Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

The Nigerian legal system has, over time, sought to address consumer exploitation through instruments such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, yet questions remain about how effectively the law achieves its intended purpose in practice.

While the legal framework addressing consumer exploitation has evolved considerably, victim protection mechanisms remains an area where scholarly and judicial opinion is divided, warranting closer legal analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Notwithstanding the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, consumer exploitation persists in Nigeria, raising concerns about victim protection mechanisms and whether the current legal regime is adequate to the task. This study interrogates that gap between legislative intent and practical outcome.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the legal framework governing consumer exploitation in Nigeria, particularly under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.
2. To assess victim protection mechanisms as it relates to consumer exploitation.
3. To identify the gaps between the law's provisions and its practical enforcement.
4. To recommend legal and institutional reforms to strengthen the response to consumer exploitation.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What does the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act provide in respect of consumer exploitation?
2. What challenges arise in respect of victim protection mechanisms in relation to consumer exploitation?
3. What gaps exist between the law's provisions and its practical enforcement?
4. What reforms could strengthen Nigeria's legal response to consumer exploitation?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to legal practitioners, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies grappling with consumer exploitation, offering a focused analysis of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and its practical adequacy. It also contributes to the growing body of scholarship in law on Nigeria's response to this issue.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a doctrinal and case-law analysis of consumer exploitation with particular focus on victim protection mechanisms, reflecting a clearly defined scope; it does not extend to a full empirical survey of enforcement outcomes nationwide.