by Peter Dibia
In a decisive move on Tuesday, March 11th, 2024, the Imo State House of Assembly witnessed a significant milestone as the Consumer Protection Council Bill, championed by the esteemed Representative of Oru West State Constituency at the Imo state house of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Dominic Ugochukwu Ezerioha, successfully passed its second reading.
Crafted with meticulous detail, the comprehensive bill spans an impressive 62 pages, comprising 9 Parts, 103 Sections, and an exhaustive 223 Sub-Sections. Hon. Ezerioha elucidated the core objectives of the bill, emphasizing its pivotal role in safeguarding consumer rights across various sectors.
Foremost among its provisions is the protection of consumers from the perils of substandard goods and services, particularly in areas concerning food, beverages, and water quality. Additionally, the bill seeks to instill stringent regulations to ensure market integrity and hygiene standards within Imo State.
Notably, Hon. Ezerioha underscored the bill's commitment to promoting consumer interests, while simultaneously offering protections for producers. The bill's framework is designed to establish a robust framework for consumer safety, enshrining five fundamental rights: Safety, Information, Choice, Voice, and Redress.
The resounding support for the bill within the Assembly was evident, with 21 members vocally endorsing its provisions during the session. With unanimous approval, the bill now advances to the House Committee on Commerce and Industry for further scrutiny and deliberation, marking a pivotal step towards enacting comprehensive consumer protection legislation within Imo State.
Let it be on record that, Imo state CPC under Hon. Mrs Obioma Okafor, has done beyond any other DG of the council, apart from the alluded as her achievements in Imo State, the introduction of the uniform standard cup measurements in Imo market is another milestone that Imo people will not forget in a hurry.
In the heart of Imo State, nestled amidst bustling markets and serene neighborhoods, lies the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), an unwavering guardian of consumer rights.
Since the inception of her as the DG, one can say that, the CPC has stood as a beacon of hope for consumers, ensuring fair treatment, transparency, and accountability in the marketplace.
I can make bold to affirm that, the CPC's core mandate is to protect consumers from unfair practices, deceptive advertising, and substandard products and services,a mandate Imo CPC has strive to keep.
Armed with knowledge of consumer rights and the law, Imo CPC under the able headship of Mrs. Okafor together with her team, tirelessly investigate complaints, mediate disputes, and educate the public on their rights and responsibilities.
As the calendar turns to March 15th, 2024, anticipation builds in Imo State as Consumer Protection Council gears up for a momentous occasion. This day marks the annual celebration of consumers in Imo State, a time to honour their importance and reaffirm the commitment to their protection.
This year's celebration takes on a special theme: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Consumer Rights. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI has become intertwined with everyday life, shaping how consumers interact with products and services. With this in mind, the Imo State chapter of the CPC aims to shed light on the intersection of AI and consumer protection.
Preparations are in full swing as the news is everywhere and speakers are lined up to share insights on the impact of AI on consumer rights. From the potential pitfalls of algorithmic bias to the opportunities for personalized experiences, the event promises to be both enlightening and empowering for attendees.
Local businesses and organizations eagerly join the cause, pledging their support for consumer protection initiatives and vowing to uphold ethical standards in their operations. The celebration will serves as a rallying cry for stakeholders across industries to prioritize consumer welfare in the age of AI.
As the sun sets on March 15th, 2024, and the celebration draws to a close, a sense of unity and purpose will fills the air. The Consumer Protection Council and the people of Imo State stand united in their commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, ensuring a fair and prosperous marketplace for all.
And as the night falls, the spirit of consumer empowerment continues to burn bright, guiding the way towards a future where every consumer is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, as the DG Hon. Ifeoma Okafor says, Consumers are the King while CPC is a spiritual agent.
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