Manufacturers should be shielded from spurious consumer claims — MAN
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has emphasized the need to shield genuine manufacturers from “spurious” claims under the guise of consumer rights protection.
Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said this at a webinar organised by the association with the theme, “Balancing the Equation between Consumer Protection and Manufacturers’ Rights”.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, there is a need to set a clear boundary between upholding consumer rights and compromising the operations of manufacturers and marketing their products.
He argued that this will ensure that legitimate manufacturing entities are not sacrificed on the altar of “spurious and ill-conceived consumer claims of infractions or unhealthy consumer protection regulations”.
The MAN DG lamented that many legitimate manufacturing entities have become victims of consumer battering and media trials, especially on social media, adding that the clarity is critical to the survival of credible manufacturers.
His words: “As we navigate the complexities of the fast-paced business environment, it is important to clearly define the boundary between upholding consumer rights and compromising the operations of manufacturers and marketing their products.
“In more general terms, I mean we should bring to the fore the need to ensure that we do not knowingly or unknowingly sacrifice legitimate and innocent manufacturing entities on the altar of spurious and ill conceived consumer claims of infractions or unhealthy consumer protection regulations.”
According to him, the manufacturing sector is subject to the regulation of both federal and sub-regional agencies of government and they are required to fully comply before their products are released to the market.
The Guest Speaker, Muyiwa Ayojimi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Consumertrics, called on MAN to advocate inclusion of manufacturers’ rights into regulatory framework and equally lead preventive policy and regulatory reforms.
“Build public trust by acting as a bridge between manufacturers and consumers, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to fair practices, safety, and innovation. “Highlight success stories of manufacturers excelling in consumer protection and ethical practices, and facilitate resolution of consumer disputes,” he recommended.
