Rethinking Product Safety in Nigeria on World Consumer Rights Day
April 15, 2026We Took the Consumer Rights Conversation to Airwaves!
April 15, 2026Consumer Education as a Tool Against Exploitation and Fraud
At the World Consumer Rights Day 2026 Conference hosted by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) contributed to a critical conversation on strengthening consumer protection through awareness and education.
Our Director of Programmes, Lovelyn Okafor, moderated a thought-provoking panel session titled “Consumer Education as a Tool Against Exploitation and Fraud,” bringing together experts from across law, energy, finance, and dispute resolution.
The panel featured Chinenye Ajayi, an Energy Professional and Electricity Law & Policy Expert, Aderemi Fagbemi, a Strategic Leader operating at the intersection of Finance, Technology, and Regulation and Faruq Abbas, a Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution Expert.
The session revealed that exploitation thrives where awareness is low. Panelists highlighted the role of information as the first line of defense for consumers, emphasizing that when individuals understand their rights, they are better equipped to identify, question, and challenge unfair practices.
Beyond awareness, the conversation pointed to the need for regulatory frameworks to be supported by clear, accessible, and engaging public education strategies that reach diverse consumer groups. Panelists stressed that policies alone are not enough. Effective communication and sustained engagement are critical to ensuring that consumers are protected.
A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of collaboration. Strengthening consumer protection requires coordinated efforts between regulators, civil society organisations, and industry players, each playing a role in building a more transparent and accountable marketplace.
For us at CADEF, we believe that an informed consumer is an empowered consumer. Therefore, equipping consumers with the knowledge they need to navigate markets confidently is essential in creating systems that truly work for people.
Partner with us to advocate for stronger consumer protection policies.