Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has raised alarm over the increasing exploitation of African consumers through misleading advertisements, counterfeit goods, substandard services, and overpriced safety hazards. Her concerns were highlighted during the 11th African Day of Standardisation, organized by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abuja.
Themed “Empowering Consumers through Standardisation to Achieve Their Rights to Safe Quality Goods and Services,” the event aimed to raise awareness about consumer rights and global standards. Represented by Permanent Secretary Nura Rimi, Uzoka-Anite emphasized the critical role of standardisation in ensuring products and services meet international quality benchmarks.
Uzoka-Anite noted that despite Africa being the fastest-growing consumer market, the continent faces numerous challenges including deceptive advertising, counterfeit products, and inadequate transparency. She stressed that implementing standardised procedures can serve as a crucial safety net for consumer rights.
Africa’s consumer base, currently over 1.2 billion, is projected to grow to 1.7 billion by 2030, with consumer expenditure expected to rise to $2.1 trillion by 2025 and $2.5 trillion by 2030. Uzoka-Anite urged that standardisation is vital for building consumer trust, enhancing market access, and driving export growth, as well as fostering innovation through advanced technologies and best practices.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) plays a pivotal role in this effort, aligning national standards with global practices and protecting consumer safety. SON Director-General Ifeanyi Okeke echoed the minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to shielding Nigerian consumers from exploitation and enhancing their access to quality goods and services through robust standardisation policies.
As Africa celebrates the 11th African Day of Standardisation, the call for a culture of quality consciousness and adherence to international standards remains a central theme, underscoring the importance of consumer protection and empowerment in the continent’s rapidly expanding market.