As a Nigerian buyer, understanding and asserting your rights is essential for fostering a fair and transparent marketplace. By exercising vigilance, staying informed, and advocating for yourself, you contribute to a consumer culture that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and respect for individual rights.
The Nigerian marketplace is a vibrant hub of activity, but navigating it as a consumer can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 empowers you with various rights to ensure a fair and informed shopping experience.
Your Right to Information (Section 110)
Imagine buying a fitness tracker online, only to discover it lacks the features advertised. The FCCPA protects you from such situations by guaranteeing the Right to Information (Section 110). Businesses are obligated to provide clear and unambiguous descriptions of their products and services. This includes details about functionalities, limitations, and any potential drawbacks. The Act encourages businesses to use plain language and visuals like images or videos to enhance clarity.
(FCCPA 2018, Section 110 (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria))
Right to Disclosure of Prices (Section 115(2)):
Ever come across a product with a hidden price tag or confusing pricing structure? The FCCPA tackles this issue through the Right to Disclosure of Prices (Section 115(2)). This section mandates sellers to display prices clearly in Nigerian Naira (₦). Gone are the days of searching for hidden fees or deciphering cryptic currency symbols.
(FCCPA 2018, Section 115(2) (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria)
Right to Accurate Labelling (Section 132)
Misleading labels can be a major source of frustration for consumers. The FCCPA safeguards against this with the Right to Accurate Labeling (Section 132). This section prohibits businesses from applying deceptive trade descriptions to their goods. Additionally, it outlaws altering or obscuring existing labels to mislead consumers about a product’s features or origin.
(FCCPA 2018, Section 132 (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria)
Right to Disclose Used or Refurbished Goods (Section 119):
The online marketplace thrives on pre-owned items. However, it’s crucial to know the condition of a product before you buy. The FCCPA protects you through the “Disclosure of Second-Hand Goods”(Section 119). This section requires businesses selling used or refurbished goods to clearly disclose this information.This empowers you to make informed choices about the product’s value and suitability for your needs.
(FCCPA 2018, Section 119 (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria))
Right to Sales Record (Section 118):
Every purchase deserves a proper record. The FCCPA grants you the Right to Sales Record (Section 118). Upon completing a transaction, you have the right to receive a written record, such as a receipt or invoice, from the seller. This record serves as proof of purchase and should detail the vendor’s information, date of transaction, product details, price breakdown, and total cost.
(FCCPA 2018, Section 118 (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Nigeria))
What you should know
- As a consumer, you also have the right to safety and quality products. Consumers have the right to purchase goods that meet safety standards and are of acceptable quality. This means products should be free from defects and pose no harm to the buyer when used as intended. If a product is found to be faulty or unsafe, the consumer has the right to a refund, replacement, or repair.
- As a consumer, you have the right to seek redress if a product or service does not meet the agreed-upon standards or is faulty. This could involve returning the product for a refund, requesting a replacement, or seeking compensation for damages incurred as a result of the faulty product or service.
- As a consumer, your personal information should be protected from unauthorized use or disclosure by sellers. This includes sensitive information such as banking details, contact information, and purchasing history. Buyers have the right to privacy and should only be contacted for marketing purposes with their consent. Any collection or use of personal data must comply with relevant data protection laws.