•Agencies’ boards inaugurated
Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has signed the State Consumer Protection Agency Bill into law.
The bill is aimed at protecting consumers against unscrupulous manufacturers and service providers.
Signing the bill yesterday at the Conference Room of the Lagos House, Ikeja, Fashola said in advanced countries, consumers are treated like kings and are given value for their money.
He said: “This is a simple legislative intervention. When I was growing up, I heard stories of people buying household equipment, cloths and shoes and returning them after use to stores for replacement.
“The rationale is that in such economies, there is appreciation or value for money. Customers are recognised as king and Lagos, being Africa’s mega and model city, cannot be different. One of the selling points of this state internationally is its large population and the consumption power that comes with it.
“No government that is alive to its responsibility will not protect its citizens and ensure that they get value for their money. What the law will do for us is tell consumers that they are not helpless. In the end, everybody benefits. It will raise the service level and improve the quality of goods pushed into the market.”
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye said: “The law repeals the Consumer Protection Committee Law, but it complements other statutory commissions. It will not affect rights that are already established under other laws.
“Its main objective is to promote and protect the rights of consumers, especially against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life. Consumers have the right to be informed about the quantity, quality, standard and price of goods and services as the case may be, so as to be protected against unfair trade practices. It protects the rights to seek redress against unfair trade practices, to be heard and given due consideration as well as the rights to consumer education.”
Ipaye said complaints can be filed by one or more consumers, adding that a company may be liable as well as its directors after investigations in cases.
The penalty depends on whether one is a first time offender, in which case the fine is N500,000 or three months imprisonment.
Second time offender’s fine is N750,000 or six months imprisonment. Continuous violation of the law attracts a fine of N20,000 per day as long as the violation persists.
Also yesterday, the governor inaugurated the boards of the state’s Public Procurement Agency and the Audit Service Commission.
The six-man Audit Service Commission is chaired by a former Accountant-General of the State, Mrs. Modupe Akinwolemiwa.
The Public Procurement Agency, also consisting of six members, is headed by Ipaye.
