The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken legal action against Mikano International Limited for allegedly obstructing an investigation, as revealed by Adamu Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer. The criminal charge was filed on March 8, 2024, following a search warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 16, 2022, allowing the Commission to investigate multiple generator companies.

The Commission’s investigation is crucial due to the significant importance of the electricity power industry in Nigeria, both in terms of primary production and alternative power sources. The charges against Mikano International Limited relate to their actions during the execution of the search warrant, including obstruction of justice and failure to comply with lawful requests, violating Sections 28(5), 33, 110, and 111 of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

In a statement, the Commission emphasized the importance of compliance and transparency in law enforcement to ensure economic and market stability and protect consumers. With the current challenges in electricity supply from the national grid, generators and alternative power sources have become essential for consumers in Nigeria. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, highlighted that power generation has dropped to 4,000 megawatts due to gas supply issues.

The FCCPC remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and protecting consumers and businesses from exploitation. Compliance with legal procedures and transparency in investigations are crucial for maintaining a stable regulatory framework and safeguarding consumer interests. The Commission’s actions aim to uphold the rule of law and prevent any behavior that undermines regulatory standards or encourages unlawful practices.