PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

US Partners Nigeria to Strengthen Consumer Protection

Date: July 17, 2009
Venue: Abuja

(From left) Jessica Gray, Walter Pflaumer, Professor John Akanya, and Mrs. Ify Umenyi  | Full size

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in partnership with the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Nigeria has held a two-day technical seminar in Abuja to strengthen consumer protection.  Similar seminar will be held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 15th.  U.S. Speakers Deon Woods Bell and Jessica Gray from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are conducting the workshops in collaboration with their Nigerian counterparts from the Consumer protection Council (CPC).  Over 100 participants attended the Abuja program from July 13th – 14th, 2009.

Nigeria’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Linus N. Awute (MNI) at the opening ceremony on Monday, July 13, 2009.  He said the seminar underscores the cordial relationship that has long existed between Nigeria and the United States of America, especially in the field of commerce.

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria at the opening ceremony, Political Counselor, Walter Pflaumer, said that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s sponsorship of the seminar demonstrates the United States Government’s commitment to improving the U.S. – Nigeria bilateral relationship and continuous support in building local capacity on a variety of issues.   He said Consumer protection ensures truthful information is provided to consumers on products and services.   “It means educating consumers so that they may better protect themselves.”

Mr. Pflaumer also said consumers need to be protected against fraud, deception and other unfair practices.  Laws and regulations on advertising must emphasize truth-in-advertising for products such as food, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, alcohol and tobacco.   Education, he said, is the first line of defense against fraud and deception because it can help consumers make well-informed decisions before they spend their money.  “This conference is timely.  Cases of fraudulent advertising and internet fraud are common nowadays not only in developed countries, but consumers need to be protected against these transgressions of justice also in the developing world,” he emphasized. Click on this link for the full text of Mr. Pflaumer’s remarks.

The Director General of the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria, Mrs. Ify Umenyi, praised the FTC and CPC partnership, acknowledging the expertise that U.S. speakers Deon Woods Bell and Jessica Gray have brought to share with Nigerian stakeholders, to create a mass of knowledgeable consumers and agencies.