The Nation Newspaper

Tag: consumers

  • Consumers hail dry gin

    Consumers hail dry gin

    Regal Dry Gin, a gin brand from the stable of Grand Oak Limited, has received applause from consumers following the consumer engagement initiative embarked upon in several bars recently.

    The activation, an exponential initiative, was held at some selected bars in Lagos and Ogun states for a period of three weeks. Free samples of Regal Dry Gin mixed with other drink brands were given to consumers.

    The brand also used the event to reward its loyal consumers and trade partners at the bars with varying gift items like TV Umbrellas, key holders, among others.

    Regal Dry Gin Brand Manager Babatunde Niyi said: “We are running  a consumer engagement imitative  programme and this is how it works, we have a place where our consumers come to buy their Regal Dry. Gin, we would have set up a sampling stand outside that place of purchase. So, once you go into the store, you purchase Regal on your own volition, you come outside, we make mixes for you and we tell you different ways you can enjoy Regal Dry Gin.

    “So, in essence, we are inviting you to enjoy your regal in so many different ways. If you don’t take it straight, you can have it on the rock or mix  with your favourite beverages or carbonated soft drinks or even juice.”

     

  • Consumers await passage of competition bill

    Consumers await passage of competition bill

    Consumers wait with renewed hope as the private sector coalition on Competition Bill appeals to the president of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Yakubu Dogara, to expedite action on the harmonisation process and eventual passage of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill [FCCPB].

    The aim of the bill is to allow for the development and promotion of fair, efficient and competitive markets in the Nigerian economy, facilitate access by all citizens to safe products, secure the protection of rights for all consumers in Nigeria and for other related matters.

    It is hoped that when adopted, the bill will repeal the Consumer Protection Act, Cap C25, LFN, 2004 and in its place will have the FCCPB as well as the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.

    Describing the FCCBP as a critical economic reform bill, the Director, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association [NECA], Timothy Olawale, said that the coalition has gone at length to show why this bill is critical to the economic development of our nation.

    Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja, the NECA director lamented that though this bill after many hurdles, was eventually passed in the House of Representatives on March 9th this year, while the upper chamber passed a slightly modified version on June 8th and eventually both chambers in August harmonised the differences in the bill for onward adoption and transmission for presidential assent, however, nothing has been done concerning it since then.

    Calling on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representative to accelerate action on the bill, Olawale emphasised that the FCCPB is a necessary economic reform bill that when adopted will, amongst others, improve the existing legal and institutional framework for consumer protection in Nigeria as well as, for the first time, introduce economy wide rules on market competition.

    Highlighting the substantive provision of the bill, the director said it includes the provision of agreement in restraint of trade which is in Part V11 [ss.60-70] of the bill.

    Throwing more light on it, he explained, “covered under this Part V11, are agreements by business directly or indirectly fixing a purchase or selling price of goods or services, dividing markets by allocating customers, suppliers, territories or specific types of goods or services.”

    Also covered under this part is “limiting or controlling production or distribution of any goods or services, markets, technical development or investment, engaging in collusive tendering, or making the conclusion of an agreement subject to acceptance by other parties of supplementary obligations which, by their nature or according to commercial usage, have no connection with the subject of such agreement. Also covered under this Part V11 is withholding of products from a dealer by a supplier and imposition of minimum resale prices,” he noted.

    Explaining further, Olawale said that Part X.ss.71-76 of the bill dwells on the abusive of dominant position of market power which occurs where a business enjoys a position of economic strength, enabling it to prevent effective competition being maintained in the relevant market and having the power to behave to an appreciable extent independently of its competitors, customers and, ultimately, of the consumers.

    “This would include, charge an excessive price to the detriment of consumers, refuse to give a competitor access to an essential facility when it is economically feasible to do so, engage in any of the following exclusionary acts, unless the firm concerned can show technological, efficiency or other pro competitiveness gains which outweigh the anti competitive effect of its act,” amongst others.

    A consultant to the private sector coalition, Barrister Leonard Ugbajah, said that part of the bill made provisions as how to deal with monopoly situations and regulation of mergers and acquisitions in such a way as to ensure that competition is not eliminated or inhibited by reason of a merger.

    He said that the consumer protection aspect of the bill clearly spells out the rights and obligations of the consumers as well as clearly defines the obligation of business owners and liability for failure to meet up with these obligations, adding that it leaves little or no room for administrative overreach in enforcing consumer rights.

    The bill has also, according to Ugbajah, defined a framework for collaboration between the proposed commission and the existing sector regulators whose mandate include consumer protection and competition regulations in their respective sectors.

    The implication is that the often witnessed jurisdictional conflict between the CPC and the regulators when it comes to consumer production would be eliminated. The most common is between CPC and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority [NCAA].

    It’s hoped that the bill will get the kind of speedy attention it deserves from the federal government as it will have far reaching positive impact on the economy and the lives of consumers in general.

  • Chi Exotic excites consumers

    Chi Exotic Nectar has warmed its way into the hearts of consumers with exciting fruity blends and variants that give an irresistible taste.

    The variants can be enjoyed alone or mixed with other drinks to enhance their taste.

    In schools, offices, bars, beaches or homes, the growing popularity of Chi Exotic Nectar as the preferred beverage for various indulgences is evident.

    More consumers are becoming more familiar with and building affinity towards the brand’s promise of superior taste and guaranteed satisfaction.

    A teacher at Community Grammar School in Surulere, Lagos, Nike Sowoolu, noted that many consumers are inclined to taking fruit juices because of the range of health benefits they provide.

    She said as consumers explore an array of fruit juices in the market, none can boast the irresistible taste Chi Exotic Nectar offers.

    She said: “In fact, children are fascinated by great tasting drinks, like Chi Exotic Nectar, because it appeals to their taste buds. My children cannot have enough of this product as it is the preferred beverage of their playgroups during socialisation at school.”

    A brand consultant with Adage Communications, Simeon Adakole, said Chi Exotic Nectar has been impressive in its attempt to own the “superior taste” narrative, which it validates when you consume the product.

    He added: “The recent I Love the Taste television campaign was a strategic reminder to its teeming consumers across the country that it intended to deepen the bond and grow its preference through quality taste in its category.”

    According to Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing, Probal Bhattacharya, Chi Exotic Nectar offers the promise of superior taste that is sure to tickle the taste buds with sensory pleasure, and this is a key factor that drives consumer loyalty and market leadership for the brand.

    Bhattacharya said: “We are excited about the consumer reviews that lend credence to Chi Exotic Nectar’s value proposition because we know that its unique fruit mixes and exotic taste has made it the definitive standard and consumer favourite for distinctive refreshment in moments of indulgence, celebration and relaxation.”

  • “33” Export Friendship Parties unite consumers

    “33” Export Friendship Parties unite consumers

    Consumers are excited about the positive impact of “33″ Export Friendship Parties on their lives and businesses.

    Basically, there are lots of brands in Nigeria seeking the attention of consumers.

    Radio and television messages always call on consumers to buy goods or pay for services.

    From marriage proposals to wedding receptions, “33” Export Lager beer has endeared itself to consumers as it has created an atmosphere of love, trust and happiness which are pillars on which friendship is built.

    During a “33” Friendship Party hosted in Owerri, a consumer used the occasion to propose to his longtime girlfriend, a heartwarming event witnessed by guests and celebrities. Also, the Friendship Party in Port Harcourt was transformed into a wedding reception as a newly-married couple attended sons to celebrate the milestone.

    “33” Export has over time built a message that goes beyond sales and volumes. The brand has shown an in-depth understanding of its consumers by getting involved in the lives of friends and providing an opportunity for them to create memorable moments and good times. “33” continues to lead the conversation to connect consumers with one another.

    Activities at the “33” Export Friendship Parties are organised to emphasize the essence of friendship, intimate connections and mutual respect. To win massive prizes and rewards, guests who have hardly met, except on these platforms, take part in games and competitions to win fabulous gift items such as refrigerators, generators, cooling fans, and other household items.

    As the leading friendship beer, “33” Export has strongly defined its message. With another Friendship Experience Party recently held in Port Harcourt on October 8, it is sure that residents of the Garden City had another life-changing experience.

  • Consumers should be wary of foreign brands without after-sales service centres

    Consumers should be wary of foreign brands without after-sales service centres

    Consumers that patronise foreign brands with no established offices are at cross roads on where to get after-sales services, just as TD Mobile, MTN and Freetel Japan recently officially unveiled ICE 2 phone from the stables of the Japanese telephone company.

    TD mobile, Sub Sahara Africa’s biggest mobile device distributor, had previously announced its partnership with the Japanese telephone company. At the event which was held at Protea Hotel G.R.A, Ikeja, Vice President International Sales Freetel, Eugene Yoshika, said the telephone company decided to invest in Nigeria because of the huge population.

    At the time, he said that the company planned to invest in the country with a full-fledged subsidiary to support sales, marketing and offer ‘After sales service’.

    The much-anticipated phone is currently selling nationwide at all major Online and Offline retail stores, including MTN’s retail outlets.

    Not just that the phone has gone on sale, massive incentives has been promised the first 200 subscribers to get the smart phone. In addition, all customers who buy the device will also enjoy double data bonus on every data bundle they buy for three months courtesy of MTN.

    According to MTN’s Chief Marketing officer, Rahul De, “We are excited by this partnership because our focus over the years has been on connecting millions of Nigerians to each other and the world thus expanding access to information, entertainment and endless opportunities.”

    ICE 2 Smartphone is one the many devices from the stables of Freetel, Japan, which the company has promised to introduce into the local market. They promised to launch four different models of its Andriod phones with prices ranging from N13,500 to N35,000.

    It would be recalled that some time ago, the Online giant market place, Konga.com, partnered with Mi-Fone, a Mauritanian mobile phone company with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, to introduce mi-Tribe A500 Smartphone into the Nigerian market. The colourful event held at Protea Leadway Maryland Lagos.

    At the event, then, Director Customer Experience and Marketing Konga.com, Mayowa Adebayo, said that “the partnership between the two companies represents Konga’s efforts to ensure that we continue to provide great product offerings to our customers.”

    Introducing the partnership over a video presentation, Founder and Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Mi-Fone, Alpesh Patel, said, “with mi-Tribe A500, we have launched a mobile device that offers convenience, style and affordability, made exclusively for the people of Nigeria as a way of giving them quality, backed up by superior after sales support.”

    However, Mrs. Eriata Williams who got the Smartphone the same month it was introduced into the Nigerian market, for over six months now is left without a phone because it has become impossible to get a replacement battery for her mi-Tribe A500 phone.

    According to her, “About seven months ago, I noticed a bulge at the back of the phone and I also noticed that the performance of the phone has dropped so I called Konga.com customer service number and complained to them.

    “I was directed to one of their authorised service centres, ‘Archos’, located at no. 20 Oremeji Street Ikeja. In relief, I went there expecting a solution but to my chagrin, I was informed that the battery and some other parts were not available as they were still expecting some consignments from the manufacturers’ office in Kenya. They promised to contact me within two weeks when the deliveries would have arrived.”

    Narrating her ordeal, she disclosed: “When after two weeks I did not hear from them, I went back to their office and again the consignments had not arrived and more promises of contacting me were given again. Since the past six months I have visited the Oremeji Service Centre to no avail.”

    Continuing, Williams said, “The last time I went there was last Monday, 26th of September. On sighting me, the delectable staff, Gbemi, who has attended to me many times, recognising me, smiled apologetically, informing me that they were yet to get the Battery for the Mi-Tribe A500.

    I asked her what I should do next, as I had been calling the office and visiting since the last six months all to no avail, she said ‘Just keep calling to know when we shall get the battery.’”

    Regrettably, Williams who said she cherishes the phone because of its uncompromising quality disclosed that, in desperation, she sent a complaint to the foreign office through their email address on their web site but got no response.

    “Unfortunately, I have searched for the battery in many shops and markets without success. I have even searched for battery from other brands but none matches the phone. Eventually, one of the phone repairers at Computer Village, Ikeja, elected to pad another battery in other to fit into the Mi-Tribe phone but it still did not work.”

    In a related incident, Mrs. Amarachi Eze, said she loves Hot point washing machine because of the efficiency. She imported one from England for use in Nigeria.

    “If I had known,” she lamented, “I would have bought brands like Thermocool and LG which have established offices and service centres here. Since the Hot Point washing machine developed a problem, for over one year now, I am still looking for a qualified person to rectify the fault.

    “Hot Point has no office or service centre in Nigeria and all the technicians I have approached have no knowledge of the machine.”

    Just like mi-Tribe, there are so many foreign brands in the market which unfortunately cannot boast of after sales services.

    However, dispelling fears amongst consumers of Freetel products, Managing Director, TD Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, said that will not be the case will Freetel phones as TD mobile has many service centres across Nigeria and will naturally extend the same after sales services to users of Freetel mobile Smartphones.

  • Almond to hold consumers’ forum

    Almond to hold consumers’ forum

    The Insurance Consumers Forum (ICF) will hold on Wednesday, October 25, at the Central Business District (CBD), Alausa, Ikeja. The event, sponsored by Almond Production Limited, is a platform for interaction between insurers and the insuring public to promote excellence in customer service delivery.

    The theme for the forum is: Insurance penetration in Nigeria: Shifting focus from policies to providing value for the customers.

    The forum will be chaired by former Group Managing Director, Royal Exchange Plc, Mr. Chike Mokwunye.

    The guest speakers is Prof. Festus Epetimehin, first professor of Insurance and Risk Management in Nigeria and Dean College of Management Sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Osun State, while the discussant is Mr. Valentine Ojumah, managing director, FBN Insurance Limited.

    A highlight of the event is the open forum.

    Almond Managing Director Faith Ughwode said the forum is bigger and better this year because of the participants who are drawn from trade groups formal and informal as well as officers of the various law enforcement agencies who have dealings with the enforcement of insurance, mechanic associations, drivers’ associations, the maritime sector, among others.

  • Consumers relish Hollandia Choco Malt Drink

    Consumers relish Hollandia Choco Malt Drink

    The introduction of Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink to the market is beginning to generate interest among young consumer segment.

    Convenience, delicious taste and instant or sharp sharp nutrition are at the core of the product values that have endeared the brand to consumers. Fondly referred to as 3-in-1 Yo! Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink is the first ready-to-drink blend of chocolate, malt and milk in Nigeria. It provides instant nutrition within reach and can be consumed immediately after opening. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and takes away the hassles and inconvenience involved in preparing choco-based beverage drink the traditional way.

    According to Israel Oladele, a social worker with the Lagos State Hospital Management Board, a satisfied consumer creates value and loyalty, and will likely share his or her experience with other consumers.

    “I heard about Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink by word-of-mouth recommendation via social media and decided to buy the product in a neighborhood shop in my area. The product recommendation came in timely as it has taken away the inconveniences associated with preparing a chocolate, malt and milk drink. Essentially its offer of sharp sharp nutrition means consuming the product has become a part of my daily nutritional requirement,” he said.

    Kelechi Onyedika, a student of the Philosophy Department of Lagos State University, emphasised the popularity of Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink amongst students of the University. He stressed that students have busy schedules and love brands that make life easier for them.

    “Product convenience is highly appealing and when you add instant nutrition to the pack, it becomes highly attractive for the average student. I do not have to worry anymore about beverage choices and nutritional value because Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink fits the bill and my lifestyle,” he stated.

    Adedayo Olumide, a brand consultant, stressed that it is common knowledge that individual preferences for products have their basis in a set of common factors, such as convenience, features, quality and experiences.

    “Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink meets all these parameters because it guarantees convenience, has a delicious taste, offers instant or sharp sharp nutrition and is truly satisfying. These product values have ensured that the brand remains at the top of consumer satisfaction.

  • Airtel’s Unlimited Data plans to empower consumers, boost internet connectivity

    Airtel’s Unlimited Data plans to empower consumers, boost internet connectivity

    Airtel Nigeria has said that its newly introduced Unlimited Data plans will empower and create more prosperity opportunities for telecoms consumers as well as boost mobile broadband connectivity. Airtel recently rolled out the Home Broadband Service, which allows customers to share data with colleagues, friends and family members with a promise that the new package will empower telecoms consumers to have access to unlimited internet service at reasonable cost.

    The new Airtel Home Broadband delivers superfast broadband service via data terminals such as dongle, MiFi and routers as it comes in various packages and affordable price range to suit the lifestyles of different customer segments. Customers can get unlimited data on packages such as Unlimited 10, Unlimited 15 and Unlimited 20, which are offered at N10,000, N15,000 and N20,000 respectively and valid for 30 days.

    According to the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmad Mohkles, the telco is changing the paradigm, breaking new frontiers and inspiring new behaviour in relation to data sharing and delivering seamless data to improve customer lifestyle and enable them take charge. “Airtel is committed to pioneering innovation, superior data experience and affordability. Our new Unlimited is truly unlimited as we have stretched the threshold to deliver up to 100GB to telecoms consumers so that they can empower more people within their circle of influence,” he said.

    Airtel brand ambassador, Gabriel Afolayan, who played the role of Bayo in the Unlimited Home Broadband TVC, while speaking at the launch, commended Airtel Nigeria for bring affordable data to customers. In his words: “Data is life. And Airtel has just made life better for all customers through Home Broadband. It is a breath of fresh air and I must thank Airtel for making data more affordable and accessible to us all. Now, no more fear of sharing data with family and friends.”

    Upon activating any of the unlimited plans, customers enjoy superfast data experience until a threshold is reached. After this, the data speed is throttled to a lower speed in line with the Fair Usage policy. According to this policy, the threshold for Unlimited 10 is 40GB; unlimited 15 come with 65GB while unlimited 20 is 100GB, after which the speed comes to 256kpbs. However, customers can continue to enjoy unlimited browsing until plan expires.

  • Consumers face expensive yam as sellers raise prices

    Consumers face expensive yam as sellers raise prices

    Consumers  of yam across the country are battling expensive price of the commodity after sellers have increased the prices in response to a shortage, hurting family budgets already squeezed by high food prices.

    According to analysts, the rising prices of food commodities have a direct bearing on inflation, exerting  additional pressure on the cost of living.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)  said  the constant increase in food prices was largely responsible for the upsurge in inflation figures.

    In some areas in Lagos, such as Ikeja, a big tuber of yam sells for between N1,500 and N2,000. While on the Mainland, it goes for N700 to N1000.

    In August last year, a  sizeable tuber of yam sold for  between N300 and N350. It shot up to  N550 to N600.

    Speaking with The Nation, a food stuff seller in Shomolu area of Lagos, Abia Onyeka explained that the increase in yam price was expected with only old yam in the market.

    He explained that  since the new yam  was not yet out, the old yam  in the market is now expensive.

    New yam  was supposed to be out since March, but has starting coming out.. Old yam is finishing so the few left will be very expensive.

    With new yams coming into the market, Onyeka maintained that the price would soon drop from N900 to N600.

    He believes the market forces of demand and supply are playing out at the moment, noting that high demand for yam has sparked an increase in price.

    The situation in Enugu State is however, different, as high cost of yam in the state is not due to scarcity, but cost of transporting the commodity from the north to the state.

  • Consumers laud Chivita 100% breakfast campaign

    Consumers laud Chivita 100% breakfast campaign

    Consumers have praised the  #breakfastwith Chivita100% campaign  on television, radio, and digital media.

    The campaign, which seeks to raise consumer consciousness on the benefits of healthy breakfast with Chivita 100 percent, is generating positive reviews of health-conscious consumers.

    For experts, the campaign is an innovative strategy to not only promote the culture of a complete healthy breakfast in Nigeria but to also own the breakfast narrative by highlighting the unique value of its flagship brand, Chivita 100% in the breakfast mix.

    The use of internationally renowned soccer stars, such as Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Eric Bailly and Juan Mata in the television advert to project the brand’s breakfast narrative is connecting with the consumer base and its effectiveness is largely seen in the growing number of consumers who have made Chivita 100% their preferred breakfast beverage at homes, offices and restaurants.

    According to Martins Nnadi, an IT professional, “The #breakfastwithChivita100% publicity campaign has been massive and is gradually shaping consumer opinion of a complete healthy breakfast.

    ‘’We all know that maintaining a healthy complete breakfast has a vital influence on our wellbeing, but Chivita 100% reiterates this in an engaging manner in its current campaign. For busy executives like myself, having a glass of Chivita 100% with breakfast is fast becoming a lifestyle choice because it offers the benefit of having a complete breakfast dietary requirements in spite of our schedules”

    Speaking on the success of the Chivita 100% breakfast Campaign, Chi Limited’s Head of Marketing Mr. Probal Bhattacharya, said “Our objective is to highlight the importance of a complete healthy breakfast and encourage consumers to achieve this daily by including a glass of Chivita 100% as part of their breakfast. Based on numerous positive feedback being received from consumers across the country,it is our belief that, with time, whenever breakfast is mentioned, Chivita 100% will readily come to mind as the preferred beverage”