Over the weekend, the Imo State House of Assembly held a public hearing concerning the proposed Consumer’s Rights Protection bill, aimed at fortifying consumer rights within the state.
Held at the State House of Assembly complex, the event drew a diverse array of stakeholders, including consumer rights advocates, business owners, and government officials.
In his opening address, the committee chairman of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Johnleoba Iheonu, representing Ikeduru state constituency, underscored the bill’s necessity for the welfare of Imolites, emphasizing its comprehensive coverage of both consumer and manufacturer rights.
Throughout the hearing, attendees voiced their perspectives on the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for robust consumer protection measures, amidst rampant circulation of counterfeit goods within the state. Concerns were raised regarding product authenticity, defects, and the exploitation of consumers.
Hon. Dominic Ezerioha, chief sponsor of the bill and member representing Oru West state constituency, reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to upholding consumer rights, envisioning the bill as a cornerstone for consumer protection and redress mechanisms in Imo state.
Addressing the assembly, Chief Don Linus Onwukaike, representing the Director General of the Imo State Consumer Protection Council, underscored the bill’s significance in combatting substandard and expired products in the market, aligning with the initiatives of the Uzodimma administration since its inception in 2020.
The introduction of indigenous standard measurement cups, he noted, serves to safeguard consumers against fraudulent practices, ensuring equitable transactions and value for money.
Stakeholders, including High Chief A.I.C Nwachukwu of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria and a representative from Coca Cola Bottling Company, emphasized the pivotal role of effective regulation and enforcement in fostering fair competition and market integrity.
The public hearing marks a pivotal stride towards the eventual enactment of the Consumer Protection Rights bill, poised for deliberation by the House of Assembly in the coming weeks.
The high point of the event was the general acceptance of the bill by all who came around who describesit as human face bill that will better the lives of Imo people when finally signed into the law by Imo state government.
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