Theory question 107
Consumer ProtectionCommerce 2 (answer five questions)
(a) What is consumerism?
(b) Give three reasons why consumers need protection
(c) State any five measures taken by government or associations to protect consumers in Nigeria
Show the model answer
(a) Consumerism is the organised movement by consumers, government and groups to protect consumers' rights and interests against unfair practices of producers and sellers.
(b) Any three: to prevent sale of fake, adulterated or harmful goods; to stop overcharging and short measures/weights; to stop false and misleading advertisement; to stop hoarding and artificial scarcity; consumers are often ignorant of product quality.
(c) Any five: laws such as the Weights and Measures Act, Food and Drugs Act, Hire Purchase Act and Price Control Act; agencies such as Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC and the Consumer Protection Council; price control boards; consumers' associations educating and representing consumers; trade associations' codes of conduct; Advertising Practitioners Council (APCON) controlling adverts; courts giving redress.
Name real Nigerian laws and agencies in (c).