DOES A CONSUMER HAS RIGHT IN NIGERIA

Consumer protection is the process of defending the general public, as well as consumers of goods and services, against unethical business activities. Consumer’s rights are absolute rights that must be protected by the producers, business organizations and the government. This protection is a public policies emanate from the government of a state and are designed towards regulating business relationships among the citizens. Consumer rights and protection laws are important in Nigeria to check and regulate the excesses of businesses and individuals against the Nigerian consumer.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 ("FCCPA") is the principal legislation which governs and protects the rights of consumers in Nigeria. The legislation established the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ("FCCPC").

REASONS FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION IN NIGERIA, INCLUDE;

• To ensure that consumers have accurate information to make informed choices based on their preference.

• To make sure providers of goods and services observe all laws regarding safety and quality standards

• To advance markets for products and services that operate transparently and efficiently to facilitate access and innovation

• To ensure restitution and compensation for buyers of defective goods/services;

• To ensure that consumers get value for money spent; and

• To promote fair competition through consistent enforcement of Federal consumer protection and competition laws.

RIGHTS OF A CONSUMER INCLUDES

RIGHT TO BE GIVEN INFORMATION IN CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDABLE LANGUAGE

It is important that a consumer be given information in plain and understandable language where such is required to be given by an undertaking ("this includes a seller, supplier, distributor, importer and a manufacturer").

RIGHT TO DISCLOSURE OF PRICE OF GOODS OR SERVICES

The FCCPA requires that the price of goods or products and services must be specifically and clearly stated (by manufacturers, distributors or retailers) in a position where consumers can easily identify them. Prices must be displayed in the currency of Nigeria (N) in an obvious location close to the product or in a brochure or catalogue available to the consumer.

RIGHT TO ADEQUATE PRODUCTS LABEL AND TRADE DESCRIPTION

A trade description specifies, statement or indication as to the number, quantity, and quality i.e. of goods. An undertaking is necessary and this must not misleading or likely to mislead a consumer, so as to ensure that trade descriptions are applied to goods either directly, in close proximity or by any commercial communication and that they are labelled appropriately for the benefit of a consumer. An undertaking shall not supply a trade description which is misleading or likely to mislead a consumer or which is false.

RIGHT TO GOODS CORRESPONDING WITH SAMPLES AND DESCRIPTIONS

Where a consumer cannot examine goods offered by a supplier and the consumer relies on the samples and description offered by the Supplier. Upon delivery of the goods, they must correspond in all material aspects with the sample and description offered by the supplier. This is especially relevant to e-commerce and internet marketing, goods displayed by vendors must correspond with the goods supplied to the consumer.

NB: This article is not a legal advice, and under no circumstance should you take it as such. All information provided are for general purpose only. For information, please contact chamanlawfirm@gmail.com

WRITTEN BY CHAMAN LAW FIRM TEAM

EMAIL: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com

TEL: 08065553671, 08024230080