(a) Give five reasons for the protection of consumers
(b) state five measures taken to protect consumers.
Explanation
Reasons for protecting the customers:
(i) To prevent the consumption of harmful products
(ii) To protect the consumers against false and misleading advertisements.
(iii) To prevent the consumption of fake/adulterated/ inferior goods.
(iv) To prevent the exploitation by manufacturers and sellers, who charge high prices.
(v) To ensure that the consumers get adequate quantity and quality of goods paid for/value for money.
(vi) To protect the consumer against acts of injustices from agents, supplies and sellers
(vii) To ensure consumers have adequate information about goods purchased
(viii) To enable consumers know their right and how to seek redress.
(b) Measures taken to protect consumers:
(i) Creation of agencies: Like price Control Board, Standard Organizations, Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, etc to ensure that consumers are given the right products as regards the price, quantity and quality.
(ii) Enactment of Laws: Various Acts are enacted to ensure that consumers are not cheated. For example, Hire purchase, Food and Drugs Act, sale of goods Act, etc.
(iii) Regulation of advertising to ensure the consumers are not deceived by misleading advertisements.
(iv) Education of consumers for them to know their right, and how they can seek redress.
(v) Regulation of operation of companies with a view to ensuring that shareholders are protected.
(vi) Encouraging the formation of consumer associations by consumers to protect their interest.
(vii) Licensing of professionals and vocational practitioners like lawyers and doctors to protect consumers from quacks and impostors.
(viii) Pre-inspection of imported goods to forestall the importation of sub-standard goods.