Explain five reasons for consumer protection, stating in each case one relevant government law aimed at the enforcement.

Answer Details

Reasons for consumer protection and relevant laws

Consumer protection means safeguarding buyers against unfair, dishonest and harmful trade practices. The following are reasons for it, each with a relevant government measure.

1. To protect consumers against sub-standard and dangerous goods: Some traders sell fake, expired or harmful products that endanger health and life. Relevant law: The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Act, which sets and enforces quality standards for goods.
2. To protect consumers against unwholesome food and drugs: Consumers may be sold adulterated, counterfeit or unregistered food and drugs. Relevant law: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Act, which regulates the manufacture, importation and sale of food and drugs.
3. To protect consumers against exploitation and unfair trade practices: Traders may cheat consumers through hoarding, overpricing and misleading claims. Relevant law: The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (formerly the Consumer Protection Council Act), which handles consumer complaints and prohibits unfair practices.
4. To ensure correct weights and measures: Some sellers give short weight or false measures to buyers. Relevant law: The Weights and Measures Act, which prescribes and enforces standard units of weight and measurement.
5. To protect consumers against false and deceptive advertising and price exploitation: Advertisers may make false claims, and prices may be arbitrarily fixed. Relevant law: The Price Control Act and advertising regulations that check deceptive advertisements and excessive pricing.