Form Consumer Bodies, CPC Urges States

The various state governments in the federation have been charged to establish local committees on consumer protection to complement the activities of the Federal Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

The challenge was given on Monday by the Assistant Chief Quality Assurance and Development Officer, South-South Zone of CPC, Chief Ebenezer Emeribe in a chat with newsmen to mark the World Consumer Right Day in Port Harcourt.

Chief Emeribe stated that the task of enlightening and educating consumers should not be left in the hands of the CPC alone, as more campaigns needed to be carried out in the rural areas.

Besides enlightening the public, he said state Consumer Rights Committees would also provide employment for Nigerians and debunked the view that CPC was inactive in Rivers State.

Since the opening of CPC Zonal Office in Feburary 2009, Chief Emeribe noted that the body has recorded 24 complaints from members of the public with 14 already settled and treated.

Aside I mediating and settlement of consumer related complaints, he said the agency also carries out surveillance, and enforcement activities on supermarkets, shops, filling stations and business fiems as part of its mandate.

He advised consumers to report their matters to the agency for adequate address and action, stressing that as consumers they have the right of redress, representation right to choice and right to safety.

Chief Emeribe said once defaulters are caught they  are handed over to the police, prosecuted and are liable to three years imprisonment, with option N50,000 fine or both depending on the weight of offence.

He therefore advised consumers to look out for expiry dates of products, SON-CAP, NAFDAC and manufacturing dates before they buy goods, saying that many  consumers have consumed bad products or have been short- changed because of ignorance.