Much like how Dora Akunyili famously alerted the public to the dangers of counterfeit medicine, Tunji Bello is now confronting the individuals inflating fuel costs under the guise of market dynamics. Since assuming his role as CEO and Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in June 2024, Bello has transformed an agency previously viewed by many as merely a paper-based bureaucracy into a functional force.
Global instability, particularly following geopolitical conflicts involving Iran, has historically impacted local fuel pricing. When President Bola Tinubu removed petroleum subsidies in May 2023, prices spiked, and subsequent market manipulation left consumers struggling. While many blamed market forces, official oversight remained largely absent until Bello’s arrival.
Bello brings a history of activism and rigorous professional experience, having transitioned from journalism and the National Concord to various roles within the Lagos State government. He served under governors Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwumi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, holding positions ranging from Commissioner for Environment to Secretary to the State Government. Despite these high-profile roles, colleagues describe him as remarkably consistent and humble.
Longtime friends and associates, including veteran journalist Kunle Solaja, activist Richard Akinnola, and writer Ken Ugbechie, attest that public office has not altered his character. His peers describe him as grounded, loyal, and unchanged by power. Currently, there is cautious optimism that Bello’s active approach—targeting racketeering and enforcing transparency at fuel depots—will eventually lead to lower pump prices for everyday Nigerians.
