Knowledge and Use of Consumer Protection Act among Social Media Users in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study examined knowledge and use of the Consumer Protection Act among social media users in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Method: This survey research examined social media users in Nigeria. The sample size was 384 young social media users. The researchers collected data for the study using a structured questionnaire, and the results were presented in tables.

Results: The survey shows very low (2,309) knowledge and low application (2.487) of the Consumer Protection Act among social media users examined.  The respondents indicated that they have not been educated about the Act, do not have a full grasp of its provisions, and do not use it to litigate for their protection during business transactions. They indicate that some of their rights have been breached, most unmitigated. Issue of right to complete and true information about goods and services, mechanisms to seek redress during infringement of consumers’ rights.

Conclusion: Low knowledge of the Consumer Protection Act is tantamount to low application of the Act for its primary purpose of protecting consumers in business operations. This negating issue with most Nigerian legislation has created a sellers’ market that has enthroned a buyer-beware principle, which greatly mars the actualisation of enthroning consumers to their rightful position.