World Consumer Rights Day 2026: Stakeholders Call for Safer Products, Informed Consumers and Technology-Driven Protection.
The commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day has once again placed the spotlight on the importance of consumer protection, responsible production practices and the growing role of technology in strengthening trust within Nigeria’s marketplace.
At the 2026 edition of the annual event organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and hosted by Rite Foods Limited at its production facility in Ososa, Ogun State, regulators, consumer advocates, journalists and industry leaders gathered to examine the evolving landscape of consumer rights in the country.
Beyond a ceremonial observance, the event became a platform for deep reflection on the responsibilities of regulators, manufacturers, the media and consumers themselves in building a market environment defined by safety, transparency and accountability.
Participants stressed that protecting consumers goes beyond regulatory enforcement; it requires sustained public awareness, responsible corporate conduct and the integration of innovative tools capable of empowering citizens to assert their rights.
Consumer Protection as a Foundation for Strong Markets
In her address, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olubunmi Oti, highlighted the significance of the global observance.
She explained that World Consumer Rights Day, marked annually on March 15, provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in safeguarding consumers and to renew commitments to strengthening confidence in the marketplace.
According to her, the relationship between consumer protection and economic stability is direct and profound.
“When consumers are well informed and adequately protected, markets function more effectively and businesses are able to grow in a stable environment,” she said.
Oti noted that the decision to hold the event within the production facility of Rite Foods Limited rather than in a conventional conference hall was symbolic and intentional.
The setting, she explained, allowed participants to witness firsthand where the lifecycle of consumer goods begins.
“Being around where production takes place allows us to see where the journey of many consumer products begins. It is at this stage of production that safety standards, quality controls and compliance procedures are applied and monitored,” she said.
The FCCPC official emphasised that the theme of the 2026 commemoration, “Safe Product, Confident Consumer,” reflects one of the most fundamental principles of consumer protection.
Confidence in any market, she explained, is rooted in trust — and trust is built when consumers are assured that the products they purchase meet established standards of safety and quality.
Oti commended Rite Foods Limited for opening its doors to stakeholders, describing the gesture as a demonstration of transparency and a strong commitment to responsible production practices.
She also used the occasion to urge Nigerian consumers to remain vigilant by paying close attention to product labels, safety instructions and other critical information before making purchasing decisions.
“A well-informed consumer is better positioned to make choices that protect both health and value,” she noted.
She also reminded businesses that transparency, strict compliance with safety standards and ethical conduct are essential to building lasting consumer trust.
“As we commemorate World Consumer Rights Day 2026, it is important to remember that strong consumer protection ultimately supports economic growth. When consumers trust the marketplace, businesses thrive, investment expands and economic activity becomes more resilient,” she added.
Oti further reiterated that globally recognised consumer rights — including the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard — continue to guide the work of the Commission.
She called on regulators, manufacturers, journalists and consumers to continue working together to strengthen a marketplace where product safety is assured and public confidence continues to grow.
Role of Regulation in Safeguarding Consumers
The importance of strong regulatory oversight was also emphasised by representatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Representing the Director-General of the agency, Mojisola Adeyeye, Deputy Director Tinuola Akinnubi explained that regulatory institutions remain a critical pillar in protecting public health and consumer welfare.
She stressed that regulation is not intended to restrict businesses unnecessarily but rather to ensure that all products circulating in the Nigerian market meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and efficacy.
According to her, the regulatory framework established by NAFDAC plays several critical roles. These include preventing harmful or substandard products from reaching consumers, ensuring truthful labelling and advertising, enforcing accountability among manufacturers and distributors, and protecting vulnerable segments of the population.
“Consumer protection is therefore a shared responsibility between regulators, industry players, journalists and consumers themselves,” she said.
Akinnubi added that maintaining consumer trust requires consistent vigilance, collaboration and compliance with established regulatory standards.
Bridging the Gap Between Rights and Awareness
The keynote address delivered by the Founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Sola Salako-Ajulo, shifted the conversation toward the growing importance of information and technology in consumer advocacy.
Speaking on the topic “Using AI to Improve Consumer Confidence,” Salako-Ajulo argued that the future of consumer protection lies not only in regulations but also in empowering citizens with knowledge.
Drawing from more than two decades of advocacy experience, she noted that although Nigeria has made progress in improving consumer protection laws and institutional frameworks, a significant gap still exists in consumer awareness.
“Consumer confidence is the oxygen of markets,” she said.
“When a consumer is confident, they spend more time in the market and contribute more to the economy. Unfortunately, many Nigerians are still confused about their rights, leading to them getting their rights trampled.”
Salako-Ajulo highlighted what she described as a modern phenomenon among Nigerian consumers — the reliance on social media to resolve disputes with companies.
She referred to this trend as the “Social Media Shout,” explaining that many consumers resort to platforms such as Twitter or Instagram when their complaints are ignored.
While some of these posts occasionally gain traction and force companies to respond, she warned that this method is inconsistent and often ineffective in achieving lasting change.
According to her, many companies simply wait for the online outrage to fade because they believe the consumer lacks institutional power.
AI-Powered Consumer Protection Tool
To address these challenges, Salako-Ajulo introduced a technological innovation designed to empower Nigerian consumers — the CAFON Consumers Companion (3C).
Developed by the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, the AI-powered platform functions as a 24-hour digital adviser capable of guiding consumers through the process of asserting their rights.
The tool is designed to understand the complexities of Nigerian consumer protection laws and provide immediate advice on how consumers can lodge complaints, identify the appropriate regulatory bodies to approach and demand redress from service providers.
By integrating artificial intelligence into consumer advocacy, CAFON aims to move beyond passive awareness campaigns toward practical empowerment.
Salako-Ajulo explained that the innovation effectively places legal guidance “in the pocket” of everyday citizens.
The goal, she said, is to bridge the persistent gap between consumer rights as documented in law and the real-world ability of consumers to enforce those rights.
Through such technological tools, she noted, consumers can transition from simply expressing dissatisfaction online to engaging businesses and regulators with the language of law and regulation.
She also emphasised that collaborative efforts among regulators, civil society organisations and the media remain essential in building a marketplace where consumers are informed, businesses are accountable and trust in the system continues to grow.
Transparency and Responsibility in Manufacturing
For the host organisation, Rite Foods Limited, the event provided an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to product safety, quality assurance and transparency in manufacturing.
Speaking during the event, the company’s General Manager of Operations, Awofemi Ajileye, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to upholding consumer rights through strict adherence to global manufacturing standards.
He explained that the organisation integrates consumer protection principles into its everyday operations.
According to him, this commitment is reflected in several key practices, including rigorous finished-product testing to eliminate unsafe products, accurate labelling with clear ingredient disclosures, and consistent compliance with regulatory standards to ensure uniform product quality nationwide.
Ajileye also highlighted the company’s structured consumer feedback and complaint management system, which allows customers to report issues and receive timely responses.
Environmental sustainability, he added, is also integrated into the company’s operations through certified production processes designed to minimise environmental impact across its facilities.
During the facility tour, Ajileye further emphasised the company’s commitment to maintaining international quality standards.
He revealed that the company regularly sends water samples abroad for laboratory testing to ensure they are free from heavy metals and other contaminants.
“We work with trusted vendors and use some of the best equipment sourced internationally. We follow every regulatory law to the letter because we understand that our people are our greatest investment,” he said.
Ajileye also noted that the company had disrupted Nigeria’s Carbonated Soft Drink industry, a market once widely perceived as an impenetrable duopoly, through innovation and a commitment to quality.
The Role of Media in Consumer Advocacy
The Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria has played a central role in promoting consumer awareness through its annual commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day.
According to the association’s chairman, Daniel Obi, BJAN’s involvement in the event reflects its broader commitment to advocating better services and accountability for Nigerian consumers.
He explained that the association sees its role not only as reporting on brands but also as ensuring that companies remain accountable for the promises they make to consumers.
By partnering with organisations willing to demonstrate transparency, BJAN seeks to promote a culture in which brands are celebrated for excellence but also held responsible for their obligations to the public.
Obi commended Rite Foods Limited for hosting the event and opening its factory to journalists and other stakeholders.
“The theme ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers’ tells us they have nothing to hide. By inviting us to their factory, they are setting a standard for others to follow,” he said.
The event also featured contributions from brand representatives, including Olaniyi Aderuku, brand manager of the company’s Fearless Energy Drink, who highlighted the brand’s focus on promoting mental alertness and aspirational energy among consumers.
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| From left: Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder, Consumer Advocacy foundation of Nigeria(CAFON); Awofemi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations, Rite Foods; Dr Tinuola Akinnubi, Deputy Director Focal point for Alcohol Nationwide NAFDAC; Daniel Obi, Chairman, Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria(BJAN) and Dr Olubunmi Oti, Zonal Coordinator South West Office, FCCPC at the 2026 BJAN World Consumer Rights Day event at Rite Foods Factory in Ososa, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State on Friday 13, 2025 |
Building a Marketplace Based on Trust
The gathering in Ososa ultimately reflected a broader transformation taking place within Nigeria’s consumer landscape.
Experts at the event agreed that the Nigerian consumer is no longer a passive participant in the marketplace. Increasing awareness, stronger regulatory frameworks and the emergence of digital advocacy tools are gradually shifting the balance of power.
As the country commemorates the 2026 edition of World Consumer Rights Day, the message from stakeholders is clear: protecting consumers is not the responsibility of regulators alone.
Manufacturers must maintain transparency and uphold quality standards, the media must continue to amplify consumer voices, advocacy groups must empower citizens with knowledge and tools, and consumers themselves must remain vigilant and informed.
When these elements work together, experts say, the result is a marketplace defined not only by economic growth but also by integrity, accountability and public trust.