INTERROGATING COMPETITION LAW, PLATFORM MARKETS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital platforms has fundamentally transformed the structure of markets, patterns of consumption, and the delivery of goods and services in Nigeria. E-commerce platforms, digital payment services, social-media marketplaces, app-based services and other technology-driven intermediaries increasingly perform functions traditionally undertaken by conventional market actors, while simultaneously generating new forms of market power and consumer vulnerability. This article examines the relationship between competition law, platform markets and consumer protection in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the extent to which the existing legal and institutional framework is capable of addressing the distinctive challenges presented by the digital economy. The study adopts a doctrinal methodology, examining relevant constitutional provisions, legislation, judicial authorities, regulatory instruments and selected comparative approaches. Particular attention is given to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, the institutional mandate of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and other regulatory frameworks relevant to digital markets and electronic commerce. The article interrogates key competition concerns associated with platform markets, including abuse of dominance, exclusionary conduct, anti-competitive agreements, self-preferencing, discriminatory platform practices, network effects, data-driven market power, algorithmic pricing and barriers to entry. It further considers consumer-protection concerns arising from opaque terms and conditions, misleading digital advertising, unfair commercial practices, data exploitation, platform liability and limited access to effective redress. The article argues that although Nigeria has established an important statutory foundation for competition and consumer protection, the distinctive characteristics of digital platform markets expose significant gaps in enforcement, institutional coordination and regulatory adaptation. It therefore advocates a more technologically informed and coordinated regulatory approach capable of preserving competitive markets while safeguarding consumers. The article recommends strengthened digital-market expertise within regulatory institutions, clearer rules on platform dominance and self-preferencing, improved cooperation between competition, consumer-protection and data-protection authorities, enhanced transparency obligations, and accessible mechanisms for digital consumer redress. Such reforms are essential to ensure that Nigeria's digital transformation promotes innovation and economic efficiency without compromising fair competition, consumer welfare and market integrity.