CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS IN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NIGERIAN CONSUMERS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Most of the consumers in Nigeria are ignorant of the existing laws that protect them more especially the final consumers who are yet to know the existing consumer protection agencies and laws that protect them as well as its implication. This era of study is of a great interest as a result of the abuse and neglect of consumers in Nigeria and also the continues increase in fake and adulterated goods and services in Nigeria which has put the consumers in a very difficult situation. However, the complex nature and the disability of the consumers to detect in a physical inspection of a product and the continuous agitation of the consumers on several occasions where they have been deprived of their rights that gave rise to the enactment of laws, rules, regulations and the setting up of regulatory agencies with specialized manpower, and knowledge to protect the consumers eg NAFDAC, SON, NDLEA, etc. The consumer protection council was established under decree 66 of 1992. It is set up to help in the protection of the consumers in Nigeria and to perform some other function like:-

a. To encourage the adoption of appropriate measures to ensure that products are safe for either intended or normally safe use.

b. To cause an offending company, firm, trade association or individuals to protect, compensate, provide relief and safeguards injured consumers or communities from adverse effects of technologies that are inherently harmful, injurious, violent or highly hazardous.

c. They also perform such other functions as may be imposed on the council pursuant to this Act. etc.