The recent closure of an Abuja-based supermarket, Sahad Stores, by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is a reminder of the need for citizens to know their rights as consumers.
Development Diaries reports that the FCCPC temporarily sealed off the supermarket, which has now been reopened, allegedly displaying lower prices on shelves and charging higher prices at the checkout.
The FCCPC must be commended for prioritising customers’ welfare in line with the provisions of the FFCP Act 2018.
While this is commendable, Nigerians should be acutely aware of their consumer rights due to the crucial role these rights play in safeguarding their interests in the marketplace.
Many Nigerians have been and continue to be victims of businesses that devise various ways to defraud customers of their hard-earned money amid the high cost of living in the country.
Part 15, section 115 of the FCCP Act states that businesses have the responsibility to provide full disclosures of material facts, including prices of products and services. It also states that the process provided must be equivalent to the point of payment or cashout prices.
When people are aware of their rights as consumers, they can demand that they be treated fairly and that the goods and services they receive fulfil certain standards.
Nigeria, like many other countries, faces challenges such as deceptive advertising, counterfeit products, and unfair business practices. Understanding their rights enables consumers to hold businesses accountable for any breaches and seek appropriate recourse.
Ultimately, a well-informed public that is aware of its rights as a consumer shapes a market that benefits companies and consumers equally and advances the development and prosperity of Nigeria as a whole.
Development Diaries calls on the acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, to come up with mechanisms to educate consumers on their rights.
We also urge citizens to be vigilant and report cases of rights violations to the FCCPC for appropriate action.
Photo source: FCCPC Nigeria
