Featured Politics News

Consumers hail FG’s move on competition, consumer protection bill

By Aliyu DANLADI

Some consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have commended the Federal Government for assenting to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill.

TBI Africa said the consumers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, however, urged the government to empower the Consumer Protection Council to be able to prosecute also.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday assented to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, thereby, making it a Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2019.

The CPC Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera, while announcing the decision by the President said the bill would promote consumer confidence, choice and fair pricing.

“By this law, the Federal Government has cemented the most needed efficient and transparent framework.

“It will ensure meaningful and credible disposition of public enterprises, expanding economic growth and assuring shared prosperity.

“As a leading market in Africa, a vibrant competition framework is a key tool in reducing poverty, increasing value for money and ensuring consumer satisfaction.

“This demonstration of fidelity to consumers and citizens while continuing to promote Nigeria as a leading destination for investment is an outstanding achievement.’’

A consumer, Mrs Aisha Kabir said consumers in the country were not being treated as they should, therefore, government’s decision to assent to the bill would be very beneficial to consumers.

Kabir, a civil servant, said the CPC from what she had gathered, had been doing so much for consumers but the capability of the council was limited.

She urged the government to adequately empower the council to prosecute offenders of consumers’ right to deter other offenders.

Mr Julius Amaechi, a businessman, said the decision by the government was a welcome development for consumers.

According to Amaechi, the economy situation now is not so favorable for Nigerians because many people barely make ends meet so any decision that will control the price of goods is welcomed.

“I am a businessman and my aim is to make profit but that does not stop me from being inhuman and rational.

“Fair pricing and healthy competition is one of the things we lack in our market and this bill will ensure that happens, so I support the move.’’

Mrs Stella Oranuka, a consumer said she and some other colleagues purchased some items which from observation were of inferior quality.

“We have complained to the distributor concerning the items and are hoping something will be done soon about it.

“I am happy for this move by the government because I am confident that if nothing is done soon, we will complain to CPC and get redress.’’

Some consumers, however, urged the CPC and the government to increase awareness on the importance of the council so Nigerians would be more aware and get redress when necessary.

Miss Ekaite Bassey, a petty trader, said she bought some goods from a client only to discover they were of very poor quality and so people refused to buy the items.

“When I complained to the client, he said there was nothing he could do as he did not produce the goods.

“And that was how I lost my money because I did not know I could get redress when I complain to CPC.’’

Another consumer, Mr John Onuja said “I am aware the CPC is doing a lot regarding awareness to the public on its mandate but I think they have to do more’’.

“This is because many Nigerians are not aware of the benefits of the council, so, even this important stride by the government will not be felt by such people.’’

 

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