The Imo State House of Assembly held a public hearing on the proposed Consumers’ Rights Protection Bill, aimed at fortifying consumer’s rights within the state.
The public hearing drew diverse stakeholders, including consumer rights advocates, business owners, and government officials, and was held at the state House of Assembly complex drew diverse arrays of stakeholders, including consumer rights advocates, business owners, and government officials.
In his opening address, the chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Johnleoba Iheoma, underscored the bill’s necessity for the welfare of Imolites, emphasizing its comprehensive coverage of both consumer and manufacturer’s rights.
Throughout the hearing, participants voiced their perspectives on the bills, emphasizing the urgent need for robust consumer protection measures amidst the rampant circulation of counterfeit goods within the state.
Concerns were also raised regarding product authenticity, defects, and the exploitation of consumers.
The chief sponsor of the bill and the member representing Oru West state constituency, Mr. Dominic Ezerioha, reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to upholding consumer rights, envisioning the bill as a cornerstone for consumer protection and redress mechanism in the state.
Addressing the assembly, Chief Don-Linus Onwukaike, representing the Director-General of Imo State Consumer Protection Council, underscored the bill’s significance in combating substandard and expired products in the market. He aligned with the initiatives of Uzodimma’s administration since its inception in 2020.
The introduction of indigenous standard measurement cups, he noted, serves to safeguard consumers against fraudulent practices, and ensures that equitable transactions and value for money are guaranteed.
A stakeholder, Chief Athan Nwachukwu, of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, emphasized the pivotal role of effective regulation and enforcement in fostering fair competition and market integrity.
He said, “The public hearing marks a pivotal stride towards the eventual enactment of the consumer protection right bill posed for deliberation by the House of Assembly in the coming weeks.”
