Functions of Consumer Protection Council

Following are some of the important functions of the Consumer Protection Council:

Consumer Education

The main task of the Consumer Protection Council is to inform customers of their rights and obligations. The organization conducts a number of consumer education initiatives to disseminate knowledge about the risks associated with the use of shoddy goods and services. To educate consumers about their rights, the council also distributes resources including brochures, leaflets, and instructions.

For example, In Lagos, Nigeria, the Consumer Protection Council launched a consumer education campaign to teach people how to spot substandard products. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with the use of counterfeit and substandard goods and how to avoid them.

Complaints Handling

Consumers who feel that businesses or service providers have taken full advantage of or treated them unfairly, file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Department. The organization reviews complaints and takes necessary measures to protect the interests of customers. Council also provides a venue for customers to report fraud, false advertising, and unfair business practices.

For example, A customer spoke to Consumer Protection about a furniture manufacturer who, upon receipt of full payment, supplied a substandard product. The company was deemed to have committed fraud when the agency reviewed the situation. The company was fined and refunded the consumer’s money by the board.

Product Standards and Quality Control

Customer Protection may enforce product standards and quality control procedures. An agency that prescribes requirements for goods and services to ensure that they meet basic quality requirements. The items are also tested and controlled by the Board to verify their safety.

For example, The Consumer Protection Council examined a well-known brand of bottled water and discovered that it contained hazardous germs. The FDA mandated a recall of all tainted items as well as compensation for impacted customers. The council has issued new bottled water rules to ensure that firms fulfill minimal quality standards.

Market Tracking

The Consumer Protection Council monitors the market to identify corporations and service providers who participate in deceptive business practices. Organizes market surveillance and conducts investigations for price fixing, price manipulation, and other anti-competitive acts. The board also works with other government agencies to ensure companies comply with regulations.

For example, In Abuja, Nigeria, the Consumer Protection Council conducted market surveillance and determined that some gas stations were selling fuel at a price higher than the government-approved price. The agency has ordered gas stations to reduce prices to the allowable level or face penalties for price abuse.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

The Consumer Protection Council works with stakeholders such as trade associations, government agencies, and civil society groups to protect the rights and interests of consumers. The agency encourages dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to achieve the common goal of protecting the interests of consumers. 

For example, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Consumer Protection Council collaborated to promote the use of standardized goods throughout the country. The agency encouraged businesses to follow the criteria created in partnership with MAN for the development of safe, high-quality products.

The Consumer Protection Board is an entity tasked with protecting customers’ rights and interests by enforcing different consumer protection laws and regulations. The board has numerous tasks, including reviewing complaints from customers, doing research and education initiatives to promote consciousness of consumer protection concerns, and enforcing consumer protection laws and regulations. 

The board also collaborates with other organizations to ensure that firms follow consumer rights regulations and laws, and it may initiate proceedings against enterprises that do not.