By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has called for a balanced regulatory environment to protect manufacturers from defamation and social media trials while safeguarding the interest of the general public.
“MAN advocacy underscores the importance of balanced regulatory policies that protect manufacturers while upholding consumer rights, ultimately aiming to foster a conducive environment for sustainable business growth in Nigeria,” it said.
The call was made in a statement on Monday, following a recent experience involving Erisco Foods and a dissatisfied customer.
Titled, “Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Advocates for Balanced Regulatory Environment,” the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, urged regulators and consumers to “engender an atmosphere that promotes objectivity and fairness, whilst safeguarding the interest of the consumer and protecting the business and integrity of the manufacturer.”
He continued: “The need for intentional steps to protect manufacturers from the adverse effects of social media trial and defamation and ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
“Manufacturers should be protected from the adverse effects of unverified negative claims about locally manufactured products.”
Addressing the “Impact of Social Media Defamation,” he argued that this could significantly affect manufacturing businesses and even threaten their existence.
According to him, manufacturers should be protected from the adverse effects of unverified negative claims about locally manufactured products.
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, Ajayi-Kadir stressed the need for measures that would recognise the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria, and also encourage consumers’ patronage and empathy.
He noted that a recent experience between Erisco Foods and its dissatisfied customer 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.
“The two agencies should actually be commended for unraveling the truth of the case,” he said.
MAN highlighted the challenging business environment in Nigeria and emphasized the critical role of consumer patronage in maintaining the viability of local manufacturing businesses.
It also stressed the negative impact of unverified statements on businesses, even when product validation has confirmed their quality, and urged government agencies to take deliberate steps to protect manufacturers while protecting the right of the consumer.
The Association further called for consumers’ support by patronising domestic goods and showcasing their quality to the global market and noted the importance of mutual accountability between manufacturers and consumers to foster economic growth in Nigeria.
