Manufacturers under the auspices of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have urged regulators 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.
The director-general of the association, Segun Ajayi-Kadir stated this in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasised the need for intentional steps to protect manufacturers from the adverse effects of social media trial and defamation and ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
Addressing the Impact of Social Media Defamation, Ajayi-Kadir said, this could significantly affect their businesses and even threaten their existence.
He stressed the need for measures that recognise the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria and encourage consumer patronage and empathy.
The MAN DG pointed out that 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, he underscored the significance of holding consumers accountable for spreading false information about local products and attempting to vilify local manufacturers in the public opinion place.
Drawing from a recent experience involving a member company, Erisco Foods, and an incident with a dissatisfied customer, MAN 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 unravelling the truth of the case,” he said.
Highlighting the challenging business environment in Nigeria, MAN emphasised the critical role of consumer patronage in maintaining the viability of local manufacturing businesses.
The association stressed the negative impact of unverified statements on businesses, even when product validation confirms their quality, and urged government agencies to take deliberate steps to protect manufacturers while protecting the right of the consumer.
Emphasising the need to support Nigerian manufacturers and elevate the perception of locally made products, MAN called for a shift in consumer behaviour towards patronising domestic goods and showcasing their quality to the global market, saying, the association underscored the importance of mutual accountability between manufacturers and consumers to foster economic growth in Nigeria.
Ajayi-Kadir added that, “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.”
