Stakeholders urge consumers to defend their rights

Nigerian consumers have been urged to demand for better services and not allow their rights be trampled upon.

Stakeholders in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) made the call on Thursday during the ‘Walk For Consumers Awareness,’ organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN as part of activities to mark the 2018 World Consumer Rights Day.

The theme is ‘Making digital marketplaces fairer’. The walk started from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) House, Ikeja and terminated at the office of the Lagos State Consumers Protection Agency, LASCOPA.

Chairman of the board, LASCOPA, Mrs Funmi Falana said consumers’ protection is very paramount to the state government.

“Our business here is to protect the right of consumers for the products and services they get. We want to make sure that the standard of goods and services brought into this country or produced in this country commensurate with the standard they can get all over the world, that is, international standard.

According to Falana, where anyone falls below the standard, the agency would not fail in prosecuting offenders.

Welcoming the brand journalists to the agency’s headquarters, Falana said,

“We are glad for this visit on a day like this to celebrate and commemorate the World Consumers Protection Day . We are glad you are here.

According to the LASCOPA boss, “Complaints are received free of charge. People can contact us by submitting hard copy or send mails to us online or call us on phone. We are here for the consumers of Lagos state and consumers in Nigeria in general.

Also speaking at the event, Kayode Oluwasona, President of Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, who also joined the journalists in the march said the AAAN decided to be part of the walk because they believe in the cause that BJAN was pushing.

“My being here is to represent all the advertising agencies in Nigeria showing that we are partnering with BJAN because we believe in the cause that they are pushing.”

Speaking further, the AAAN President noted that the walk was symbolic as he said; “I always say something. When you walk for, you are saying a lot of things in communication. What you are saying is that you are standing with. What you are saying is that you are sacrificing, supporting the consumers. When you walk for the consumers, what we are saying is that we are supporting the consumers. We are standing by the consumers and we are sacrificing for the consumers.” Oluwasona said.

Reiterating the needs for consumers to always ensure that they get value for whatever they are paying for, Oluwasola said, “What we are doing here today is to create awareness for the rights that you have as a consumer. Don’t ever think or believe that you do not have anywhere to go when you have been cheated or your rights have been infringed upon.

“You buy something and they don’t give you enough change, it is very common in Nigeria, but is it very wrong. When your N5, N75 is with them. It happens a lot at the filling stations, supermarkets. It is your right to pay exactly what you have to pay but it is has become what we live with in Nigeria. It is not right. It is not normal.

For Sola Salako Ajulo, a consumer protection activist, every consumer has the right to complain and to be heard.

“You have right to complain. You have the right to be heard. You have the right to consumer information so that you know how to purchase whatever you need.

“As Nigerians, you have right to complain against any bus or Marwa that is not road worthy because such violates your right to safety. Any time, you buy any good and you later find out that it is fake but you believe you don’t have anywhere to go and complain, that is not true. You have place like Lagos State Consumers Protection agency to go to. “she said.

Goddy Ofose, Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, on his part called on brands to commensurate with consumers every March 15, which is set aside for the consumers.

“This is a message to all the brands to be aware that there is what is called International world consumers day. We want Nigerian consumers to be celebrated, respected and be treated well.” Ofose submitted.