FCCPC Under Tunji Bello: An Architecture of Excellence and a New Public Service Standard, by Sunny Ibeh Jnr

On July 9, 2026, I had an official letter to submit at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). When I arrived at 23 Jimmy Carter Street, Asokoro, I parked and walked into a gigantic edifice; an off-white duplex with beautifully arranged vehicles at the car lot.

At the main entrance, I inquired about the department where I could submit my letter. The professionally dressed security personnel politely directed me to the main reception. I entered and was greeted by a neat, sweet-scented ambience, perfectly organised, calm, and welcoming. I was both amazed and pleasantly surprised.

Inside, I met two calm-looking young ladies, also professionally dressed, with decent and courteous demeanour and infectious smiles. “Good afternoon,” I greeted them politely. After their warm response, I explained the purpose of my visit. A register was brought before me: “Please, put down your name here,” one of the receptionists directed. I complied and was guided to the mail unit.

At the mail unit, I met another polite and affable young lady. We exchanged pleasantries, and I submitted my letter. I then returned to the reception.

I had tried to sign out without expressing the deep satisfaction I felt about how neat, sweet-scented, and beautiful the agency was, but I could not. While signing out, I had to speak up. I said to the receptionists:“This is the neatest and most organised government agency I have ever visited.” Looking up after signing, I saw warm smiles and applause from the receptionists. I left the premises elated and satisfied, with a reciprocal smile on my face.

The cosy ambience, polite reception, and uncommon demonstration of professionalism and the pleasant scent of the environment were remarkable and soothing to the soul. When I got to my car, I did not drive off immediately. Rather, I brought out my phone, accessed the internet, and began to read about the FCCPC. Prior to my visit, I had only occasionally heard about the agency and did not know much about it.

My online inquiry led me to the incumbent Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Tunji Bello, a prolific professional, seasoned journalist, and respected lawyer who previously served as Secretary to the Lagos State Government and Commissioner for Environment, after a distinguished career as a journalist and editor with Concord and ThisDay newspapers. I was again impressed, and the nexus between the culture of excellence I experienced at the FCCPC and the leadership profile of the EVC became evident.

I did not stop there. Curiosity led me to the Corporate Affairs Unit, where I discovered Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director overseeing the unit, who exemplifies professionalism and poise. As a journalist and communications practitioner, it became clear to me that what I witnessed heralds leadership-driven institutional excellence.

I have visited several government agencies, but I must say that the culture of excellence I witnessed at the Tunji Bello-led FCCPC is unprecedented, top-notch, and particularly exceptional. It is of course, worthy of emulation by other public institutions in Nigeria. In fact, what I experienced is rare even in many established private organisations. In high-level corporate communication terms, this can be described as culture-led reputation management, a ‘reputational capital built’ from within, organically projecting the organisation’s image to the public.

Why this article?

I am compelled to write this piece for two reasons: first, to commend the Tunji Bello-led management of the FCCPC for its admirable culture of excellence and professionalism. It is, however, important for leaders to know when they are doing well, as commendation encourages greater performance. Second, I hope this article inspires other government agencies and institutions to learn from and emulate the standards set at the FCCPC, specifically, in institutional discipline and service delivery.

As an agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the FCCPC was established in 2019 under the FCCPA 2018 to regulate competition and protect consumers in Nigeria. Its objectives include preventing anti-competitive practices and ensuring fair market conduct. Mr. Babatunde Irukera served as the pioneer Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He gallantly lead the foundational development and enforcement framework of the agency before leaving office in 2023. Today, the leadership baton is in the hands of the distinguished Tunji Bello who unapologetically steers the leadership of the FCCPC to a greater heights.

In line with my professional commitment as a journalist, PR practitioner, and advocate for social and institutional reform, I intend to support the FCCPC’s mandate through constructive engagement and consumer protection advocacy, including reporting relevant issues where necessary. I also look forward to meeting and engaging with the leadership of the Commission, particularly Mr. Tunji Bello, for meaningful dialogue and collaboration in strengthening public service delivery.In overview, the FCCPC stands today as a remarkable model of institutional excellence, professionalism, and culture-driven public service, worthy of national emulation.

Sunny Ibeh Jnr is a Nigerian journalist and Brand  Communication Consultant. He is based in Abuja, Nigeria.