By Funmilayo Olagunju
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Caveat Venditor means let the seller beware. It is a principle that protect consumers right by making manufacturers, sellers and service providers accountable for the quality of the goods sold or services rendered. A consumer is a person who uses goods or services.
Black’s Law Dictionary defines Consumer-protection law as a State or federal statute designed to protect consumers against unfair trade and credit practices involving consumer goods, as well as to protect consumers against faulty and dangerous goods.
Consumer right basically entails the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard. The vendor must ensure that the transaction does not fall short of the legal standard.
In Nigeria, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 is the primary statute governing consumer protection and competition regulation in Nigeria.
The FCCPA established the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“FCCPC”) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (“CCPT”) for the development and promotion of fair, efficient and competitive markets in the Nigerian economy to facilitate access by all citizens to safe products and secure the protection of rights for all consumers in Nigeria; and for related matters.
Other relevant legislations for the regulation of consumer goods/services include:
The Standard Organization of Nigeria Act
The National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control Act CAP N1 LFN 2004.
The Quality of Service Regulation.
The Utilities Charges Commission (amendment) Act and
The Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act CAP C34 LFN 2004.
There are legal structures protecting the right of consumers against unfair transaction by vendors.
“You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you”
Deuteronomy 25:15 (NIV)
