Do consumers have rights in Nigeria?

Many often hold the belief that under the Nigerian law, consumers do not have rights. But this is a misconception. Consumer rights exist everywhere including Nigeria, whether you purchase it online or in person.

In Nigeria, these rights are set out in the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, one of the most comprehensive consumer protection laws ever created in Nigeria and it can be divided into three categories; safety and quality rights, information rights, and decision rights.

Safety and quality rights make provision for the following:

Suitable for purpose – Consumers have the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for the purpose for which such goods are generally intended.

Implied warranty of quality – Businesses are required to provide information about their products and services in a manner that is easily understandable by consumers.

Information Rights: Right to information in plain and understandable language – Businesses are required to provide information about their products and services in a manner that is easily understandable by consumers, right to full disclosure of price of goods or services, that is, businesses have a responsibility to provide full disclosures of material facts, including prices of products and services while prices displayed must be equivalent to point of payment or cash-out prices.

Also, right to disclosure of used or reconditioned goods which stipulates that where products are used, second-hand, or reconditioned, businesses have an obligation to conspicuously and adequately inform consumers about such changes to originality and use of products.

There is also right to product labelling and trade descriptions where relevant and material information must be displayed or provided on product labels, the information must be consistent with generally accepted norms and practices; and other advertisement/promotional information about products.

Except where impracticable, businesses must provide written records of transactions upon request by consumers, itemizing details of transactions, sale of goods or services including applicable taxes, if any.

Notice required of certain terms and conditions – Any notice or agreement that purports to limit, exclude or waive liability of any transaction, or indemnity obligations shall, having regards to the circumstances, be brought to the attention of the consumer, prior to conclusion of the transaction.

There are also decision rights which include right to select suppliers so businesses that display, distribute or sell similar products from different manufacturers or suppliers, must respect consumers’ prerogative to choose their preferred supplier.

Right to choose or examine goods: Where products are displayed or sold from open stock, consumers may select or reject any particular item before completing the transaction.

Right to return goods – Consumers reserve the right to return product, except in limited circumstances, as long as product remains in good condition and return is made in a reasonable time.

READ ALSO: Shelve planned protest, Yoruba Diaspora group tells Nigerians