Nigerian consumers have a lot to be hopeful for in 2020 as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) prepares to widen its scope of activities in 2020.
According to Dr. Babatunde Irukera, chief executive officer, FCCPC, robust enforcement and consumer education will be the key pillars of its activities to drive its mandate in the Nigerian business environment and economy.
He called for a strategic partnership with the media in achieving the plans of the Commission.
Irukera said that enforcement is about holding companies accountable to how they respond to consumers and devising mechanisms that put them on their toes to prevent consumer market dissatisfaction.
He assured that the Commission would ensure that the provisions of the consumer rights are explored and enforced to ensure companies or corporations do not take advantage of the consumers.
Irukera acknowledged the role of the media and urged the practitioners to be more vigilant, methodical and analytical of consumer products and services in 2020.
The new leadership of the FCCPC has taken conscious steps to boost consumer participation and protection in key sectors like Healthcare, Energy, Transportation, Telecommunications, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, FMCG, Aviation etc.
Also, the FCCPC plans to organize more sensitization workshops to create consumer awareness of rights and the relevant information that will equip them to know how to engage companies.
According to Irukera, the FCCPC is ready to ensure that the Nigerian consumer is respected. Indeed, to ensure that the FCCPC is dynamic, it has rolled out its social media platforms from Twitter to Facebook to get feedback from Nigerians, to coordinate an inclusive consumer protection council.
FCCPC has engaged in extensive advocacy and resolution of consumer issues with the following key developments;
The Development of the Patients Bill of Rights
Advocacy for disaffected passengers in a recent Turkish Airways flight
Resolution of consumer issue with Chuks Pee Computers
Providing advisory for Nigerian consumers on the recent CBN bank charges
Engagement with professional bodies on the protection of consumer rights
Engagement with consumers on the challenges in the Energy sector
Resolution of passenger issues with Chisco Transport service
