Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency Report
Published on 2024-04-01 21:00:11
In response to a social media incident involving Erisco Foods and a dissatisfied customer, Chioma Egodi, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has emphasized the necessity of a fair regulatory environment to safeguard both consumers’ and manufacturers’ interests. The Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, highlighted the potential damaging effects of social media defamation on businesses and the importance of measures to protect manufacturers.
The incident in question originated from a review posted by Mrs. Egodi on Facebook on 17th September 2023, in which she described Nagiko Tomato Mix, a product of Erisco Foods, as sugary. This review sparked various reactions, prompting the company to take legal actions to address the matter with Egodi. However, the MAN Director General underscored the significance of shielding manufacturers from unwarranted negative claims on social media and ensuring fairness and equality for all parties involved.
Mr. Ajayi-Kadir stressed the need for mechanisms that acknowledge the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria and promote consumer loyalty and understanding. While acknowledging consumers’ rights to voice legitimate complaints through appropriate channels, he also emphasized the importance of holding consumers accountable for spreading false information about local products and attempting to tarnish local manufacturers’ reputation in the public domain. He called for equal protection of both manufacturers and consumers’ rights, citing the diligent investigations conducted by the Lagos State consumer protection agency and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria that cleared the manufacturer of any wrongdoing.
Acknowledging the challenging business environment in Nigeria, Mr. Ajayi-Kadir highlighted the crucial role of consumer support in sustaining local manufacturing industries. He urged government agencies to take deliberate actions to safeguard manufacturers while upholding consumer rights. Additionally, he called for a shift in consumer behavior towards favoring domestic products and showcasing their quality on a global scale to stimulate economic growth in the country.
In conclusion, the MAN DG emphasized the importance of mutual accountability between manufacturers and consumers to foster economic development. He called for a regulatory framework that ensures fairness, protects the integrity of manufacturers, and encourages consumer trust in locally made products. By promoting a balanced and transparent regulatory environment, both consumers and manufacturers can thrive and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Read the original article on Premium Times
