The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to protect manufacturers from defamatory statements by the public, News About Nigeria reports.
The Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made this appeal in a statement while reacting to the ongoing altercations between Erisco Foods and an aggrieved customer.
Recall that a consumer, Chioma Okoli, wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree produced by Erisco Foods, which the company considers malicious and for which Okoli is facing prosecution and possible imprisonment.
Speaking on this, he noted that there is a need for intentional steps to protect manufacturers from the adverse effects of social media trials and defamation and to ensure fairness for all stakeholders.
Ajayi-Kadir also called 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 (SON), which exonerated the manufacturer of the said product. The two agencies should actually be commended for unravelling the truth of the case.” he said.
He maintained that social media defamation could significantly affect businesses and even threaten their existence.
He emphasised that there is a need for measures that recognise the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria and encourage consumer patronage and empathy.
He, therefore, urged regulators and the consuming public to promote an environment that safeguards the interest of consumers and protects the business and integrity of manufacturers in the country.
“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, there is the need to hold consumers accountable for spreading false information about local products and attempting to vilify local manufacturers in the public opinion place,” Ajayi-Kadir added.
