Why consumer rights were poorly enforced in Nigeria _Prof. Nnamani

ENUGU—A Professor of Health Education, Ngozi Nnamani, on Thursday, said that consumer rights were poorly enforced in Nigeria due to lack of knowledge of Consumer Rights and responsibilities.

Prof. Nnamani also fingered lack of faith in judicial system and high level of poverty as well as inelegant drafting of some Consumer Protection Law Provisions as part of the factors hindering enforcement of consumer rights in Nigeria.

She made the disclosure at the permanent site of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Agbani, Enugu State, while delivering the 34th inaugural lecture of the University entitled “Bridging the Gap Between the Consumer and Environmental Protection.”

She also explained that some activities of the consumer have been identified to produce hazardous wastes which have degraded the environment through different kinds of pollution.

She further explained that greater percentage of environmental problems threatening our habitat were caused by irresponsible consumer lifestyles, regretting that most consumers lack the knowledge on the detrimental effects of their activities on the environment.

• Former Aviation Minister Arrested for N8 Billion Nigeria Air Fraud
• Nigerian Army Releases Monarch Declared Wanted Over Okuama Killings
• NNPP founder: Kwankwaso broke my confidence

While discussing the challenges of environmental law enforcement in Nigeria, she identified potential role conflict among various enforcement agencies, and lack of power by the National Environment Standards and Regulatory Agency, NESREA, to arrest violators of environmental laws at the scenes of action as setbacks.

She further said that bridging the gap between the consumer and environmental protection require consumer education and environmental education by relevant agencies at the federal, state and local levels.

She also identified the need to include harmonized environmental law education in different learning curricula at all levels of education in Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, stated that the topic of the lecture was timely given the galloping inflation which has affected prices of goods and services in Nigeria due to rising exchange rates of dollar to naira.

• 19TH CONVOCATION:ESUT unveils roads named after 12 prominent Nigerians
• Cross River House Speaker rusticated from varsity over poor performance…Gets Support of Legislators
• Group Calls on Rivers State to Protect Environment Amidst Flooding Concerns
• Edo State Deputy Governor Seeks Legal Protection Amidst Impeachment Concerns
• PhD Student Position in Chemistry with a Focus on Environmental Chemistry

He highlighted the need for consumer protection in Nigeria, stating that the high cost of living has plunged many Nigerians into hardship and penury.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that the outcome of the lecture would serve as a roadmap to the federal government for proper consumer protection laws in the country. He equally enjoined the academia in the University to channel their researches towards addressing many issues plaguing Nigerians.

While giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Victoria Chinweike, thanked the Vice Chancellor and his Management team for providing conducive learning environment which encourages research and innovation in the University.