CPC Decries Poor Treatment of Consumers in Nigeria

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has said that consumer’s right is not observed in the country.

Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia head of CPC, Lagos Office, said this at the World Consumer Right Protection Day held in computer village with the theme: “Fix your phone right.”

Tamunokonbia said, “Consumer right is not observed in Nigeria where there should be value for money on every product purchased or service rendered.”

He said that the literacy level in the country is not encouraging, given that so many people who come to complain do not have e-mails.

According to him, “Our activities are not limited to road shows alone but we do it once in a year. It is sensitization that drives the message more than enforcement, with enforcement you can scatter a place and in two weeks they are back, but if we sensitize the public and Nigerians are no more buying the product, you will see that they also will be out of the market, we believe in sensitization and not just road shows.

“Our job depends on thorough investigation, people do not understand the role of the CPC, we are not for food and drugs, computers and phones, not just appliances, but services as well.

“Government at all levels and regulatory agencies should understand the role of CPC. We have come up with a bill of right for the consumer, for example, if your flight is delayed at the airport, at some point you are supposed to be given accommodation by the airline, if your flight is delayed for one hour, you are supposed to be given snacks and drinks at the airport.

“The law stipulates that CPC must enforce every law that protects the consumer, which is why we are working out a compendium for the aviation industry.