From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged regulators and consumers to engender an atmosphere of objectivity and fairness that safeguards the interest of the consumer and protects the business and integrity of the manufacturer.
Addressing the impact of social media defamation, MAN Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasised the need for intentional steps to protect manufacturers from the adverse effects of social media trial and defamation, and ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
He stressed that social media trial and defamation could significantly affect manufacturers’ businesses “and even threaten their existence,” adding that there “is need for measures that recognise the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria and encourage consumer patronage and empathy.”
According to him, “manufacturers should be protected from the adverse effects of unverified negative claims about locally manufactured products.”
While acknowledging and encouraging consumers’ right to voice legitimate complaints through appropriate channels, MAN underscored the significance of holding them “accountable for spreading false information about local products and attempting to vilify local manufacturers in the public opinion place.”
Reference to a recent experience involving a member-company, Erisco Foods, and an incident with a dissatisfied customer, MAN highlighted the need for equal protection of manufacturers and consumers’ rights.
“The case underscored the importance of diligent investigation as carried out by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which exonerated the manufacturer of the said product,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “The two agencies should actually be commended for unravelling the truth of the case.
Concerned about Nigeria’s challenging business environment, MAN emphasised that consumer patronage is critical in maintaining the viability of local manufacturing, while stressing “the negative impact of unverified statements on businesses, even when product validation confirms their quality.”
Therefore, it urged government agencies to take deliberate steps to protect manufacturers, alongside consumer rights, just as it called for a shift in consumer behaviour towards patronizing and showcasing the quality of local goods to the global market.
MAN urged support for Nigerian manufacturers and the elevation of the perception of locally made products, while underscoring the importance of mutual accountability between manufacturers and consumers to foster economic growth in Nigeria.
According to MAN, balanced regulatory policies that protect manufacturers while upholding consumer rights ultimately foster a conducive environment for sustainable business growth in Nigeria and the wellbeing of citizens.
