Babatunde Irukera, the former Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), is currently attending a high-level meeting in Egypt focused on unlocking marketing opportunities in Africa and the Arab region. The meeting, which brings together a vibrant assembly of experts from across the continent, aims to explore strategies for promoting competition, consumer protection, and economic growth in the region.
Irukera, who led the FCCPC from 2016 to 2022, is a renowned expert in competition law and policy, and has played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s consumer protection landscape. His participation in the meeting is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to the discussions, given his experience in leading the FCCPC and his commitment to promoting fair and inclusive markets.
The meeting is a significant gathering of stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society, and is expected to produce actionable recommendations for unlocking marketing opportunities in Africa and the Arab region. The discussions will focus on key issues such as market liberalization, consumer protection, and competition policy, with a view to identifying practical solutions to the challenges facing businesses and consumers in the region.
Irukera expressed his gratitude to Egypt for their leadership in the Arab region and Africa, and for recognizing him as a worthy voice in this high-level meeting. “I am thrilled to be part of this gathering of experts who share a common goal of promoting fair and inclusive markets,” said Irukera. “The importance of treating people with respect and fairness continues to gain traction and momentum, and I am excited to be a part of this movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future.”
In his speech, Irukera said:
“It’s always invigorating to be among a vibrant and knowledgeable assembly of competition experts who understand the importance of scaling up enforcement to unlock markets for the greater good. I extend my gratitude to Egypt for their leadership in the Arab region and Africa, and for the honor of recognizing me as a worthy voice for such a high-level audience. We are indeed on track!
The gospel of treating people with respect and fairness continues to gain traction and momentum. The new Egyptian Merger Control law is a significant leap and a model for both emerging and mature competition regulation markets as we confront the challenges of dynamism and disruptiveness that can promote innovation and opportunity, but also potentially diminish or emasculate them if not well regulated.
I’m delighted to share my thoughts and experience with such a distinguished audience. As I always say, ‘Be Prepared’ is not just a motto, but a mindset. And I had to put that mindset into practice when I received a last-minute invitation from my dear friend and brother to speak at this event. With less than 24 hours’ notice, I had to scramble to get ready, both physically and mentally! I had to dash into stores to get a quick makeover and take a ride downtown Cairo to clear my head. And I discovered that, indeed, anything is possible with the right mindset!
As an aside, I also discovered a new way to dress that won’t raise eyebrows! My unpreparedness and limited options forced me to try something new, and I must say, I quite like it! Height has usually been an advantage, but on days when you’re desperate, it’s a blessing to blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb. But, unless people were being polite, I intend to dress like this again in the future!”
The meeting is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of competition and consumer protection in promoting economic growth and development in Africa and the Arab region. It is expected to produce a communiqué outlining the key recommendations and action points for unlocking marketing opportunities in the region, and will provide a platform for ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.