CPC Tackles Online Marketing Firms Over Consumer Rights Abuse

• CPC Tackles Online Marketing Firms Over Consumer Rights Abuse

The Consumer Protection Council on Thursday said it would come up with guidelines to effectively regulate the conduct of online marketing companies in Nigeria.

The Director-General, CPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, stated this during a meeting with top officials of online marketing companies in the country in Abuja.

Present at the meeting were the representatives of Jumia, Konga, Yudalla and Mall for Africa, among others.

The meeting focussed on the current consumer experience in the online shopping market place.

Irukera said the subject of discussion was protecting consumers as well as protecting the legitimate and responsible online marketing companies and their brands.

He stated that the council and the online marketing companies agreed that only a robust, ethical and well regulated industry could promote consumer confidence.

This, he noted, would help to eliminate distrust, prevent fraud and market entry by those seeking to exploit and defraud.

He said both parties also recognised that technological disruption and innovation remained a vital catalyst for expansion, commercial penetration and shared prosperity.

The CPC boss stated, “The council and the online marketing companies have mutually agreed that a dedicated customer service apparatus, which is an indispensable corollary of e-commerce, is required to ensure engagement and a complaint resolution process, which is not burdensome to the customer.

“Online market platforms recognise the importance of complete disclosure of any terms, conditions, exceptions or restrictions on products marketed on their platforms. Online marketers also recognise the need to promote consumer confidence and eliminate distrust.

“Advertisement of products should be truthful, transparent and factual, including current/future availability, specifications, merchantable conditions, quality and relevant warranty information.”