The Ogun State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards protecting the rights of consumers in the state by beginning the second reading of a bill seeking to establish the State Consumer Protection Agency.
The proposed agency aims to safeguard the interests of consumers, settle disputes, and ensure they receive value for their resources.
The bill, sponsored by the Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, seeks to domesticate the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in the state.
Adeleye emphasized that the bill aims to check the sales of hazardous items, tackle consumer exploitation, regulate prices, and empower consumers to seek legal redress if unsatisfied with goods and services. This, he believes, will reduce economic hardship and burden on consumers.
Other lawmakers, including Adebisi Oyedele, Babatunde Tella, Seun Adesanya, and Adeyanju Adegoke, spoke in favor of the bill, citing instances of counterfeit products and unethical practices that need to be addressed. They commended the sponsor for introducing a legislation that will bring sanity to commercial activities in the state.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide referred the bill to the Committee on Industry, Trade, and Investment for further legislative action, recalling the past successes of the consumer regulation, market, and price control board in sanitizing commercial activities.
The proposed State Consumer Protection Law, 2024, is a significant step towards protecting the rights and interests of consumers in Ogun State. If passed, the law will provide a legal framework for consumer protection, ensuring that producers and service providers are held accountable for their actions.
The establishment of the State Consumer Protection Agency will also provide a platform for consumers to report cases of exploitation and seek redress. This will help to reduce the prevalence of substandard products and services in the state, and promote a culture of quality and excellence among producers and service providers.
Furthermore, the agency will work to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to make informed choices and demand value for their money. This will help to promote consumer confidence and boost economic growth in the state.
