Calls for special court to try makers of substandard products
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mike Omeri, on Tuesday advocated for the establishment of a special court that would try fraudsters who infringe on consumer rights.
Omeri announced this in Abuja during a visit from the Director-General of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Ifeyinwa Umenyi. He said the introduction of a special court would help eradicate fake and substandard products from the market.
“Anybody who wants to do business in Nigeria should do a legitimate business and should not try to defraud the consumers,” he said.
Omeri noted that the “no refund of money after purchase” policy adopted by most business owners was criminal, adding that producers of goods and services always had greed in mind.
He said the transformation agenda of the present administration would be more meaningful if they would collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure quality products in the market.
“The President has been in the forefront of encouraging agencies to work together to make the country better,” he said.
“We, therefore, need to make our country men know that they have a responsible mind in the market.”
Omeri also advocated for an policy that would allow consumers to return goods within 28 days of purchase if they are not satisfied with such.
He promised that the agency would continue to pursue best practises in the market through proper sensitisation.
The Director-General of the Consumer Protection Council said that sub-standard goods and services could be completely eliminated from the market if consumers report such to the agency.
According to Umenyi, the agency recently re-launched the CPC Website in order to enlighten consumers on their rights.
She called for a better working relationship with NOA.
Sly is a social commentator who resides in Lagos and currently works as a relationship manager for a financial institution.
