CONSUMERISM AND CONSUMER RIGHTS PROMOTION IN NIGERIA: A WAY TO EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

This paper explores the issue of consumerism and consumer protection in the Nigerian situation using an Institutional Theory perspective which elucidates the role of institutions on consumer attitudes and the enforcement of consumer protection mechanisms within firms. While it is the trend all over the world, consumerism is explored within the Nigerian setting because of the sociopolitical actors such s the government, business enterprises, and regulatory bodies involved. The understanding of how external and internal forces work together – coerced, normative, and imitative – can be aptly referred to as isomorphism which will greatly affect the growth and development of consumerism and particularly the enforcement of consumer rights in the Nigerian context. The research is conducted based on theoretical and review opinion research methods. Having reviewed the existing approaches and systems, this research paper identifies the pertinent issues and prospects regarding the present state of consumerism and consumer rights in Nigeria. This study also addresses such concerns as poor consumer protection implementation, structural constraints, and the unavailability of consumers’ awareness, and suggests ways of reinforcing existing consumer protection policies and organizational efficacy. Finally, the paper recommends constitutional restructuring to improve the level of consumer protection by developing efficient legislation, burdening regulatory authority with more openness, as well as educating the consumers. New areas of applied research are identified to provide evidence of organizational changes leading to changes in the user’s and corporation’s behaviour, with consideration of the current market situation in Nigeria.