Who We Are
Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the empowerment, protection, emancipation and enlightenment of consumers in Nigeria.
Our pursuit is to increase awareness and defend consumer rights, through rigorous research and policy analysis on key consumer issues, advocacy, education and legal representation.
This initiative was born from the need to increase the level of awareness of the consumers on standardisation of goods and services, enforcement and litigation, and the desire to act as an incubator that promotes entrepreneurship amongst the youth. Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) seeks to ensure that consumers, particularly those who are most vulnerable in the society are protected. Our pursuit is to increase awareness and defend consumer rights, through rigorous research and policy analysis on key consumer issues, advocacy, education and legal representation.
We believe in promoting system-based advocacy, aimed at challenging, changing, and improving policy and practice for the benefit of consumers. This includes awareness campaigns, litigation, education and resource mobilization. CADEF works to empower individuals and groups to increase their autonomy and self-determination economically and socially. This requires providing information and innovative best practices that promote participation and accountability amongst consumers, while also acting as an incubator that promotes entrepreneurship amongst the youth. CADEF seeks to reduce the proliferation of sub-standard goods and services and its effects on consumers, and also partner with stakeholders, across different sectors to provide information, resources, testing, and demand for compensation.
Since its inception, the organization has worked across the country to provide opportunities for financial growth for many and protect the rights of citizens, including people in the rural communities, giving them a sense of belonging. We also conduct sensitization programs at secondary and tertiary institutions, educating young people on their rights and civic responsibilities; while partnering with other CBOs at tertiary institutions to raise awareness on the key areas like agriculture value chain, the danger of illegal migration and human trafficking, demystifying the Greener Pastures Myth which has become a bait used by traffickers to lure vulnerable groups especially undergraduates and young females by having a forum/dialogue among stakeholders.
CADEF is one of the beneficiaries of the European Union (EU) funded and British Council implemented Agents for Citizen-driven Transformation (ACT) program (2019-2023) designed by the EU in response to the identified need to invest in, and engage with, civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria, and a member of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) task force on sustainable consumption, which serves in the Research and Data Gathering Committee.
Beyond our core thematic areas, we also work in the areas of Health and Safety, Climate Change, inclusive education and Migration. CADEF is currently a beneficiary of the European Union (EU) funded and British Council implemented ACT programme consortium grant to combat youth and women irregular migration in Enugu State (CY-WIM).
WHAT WE DO
Thematic Areas
Consumer rights and advocacy
Youth empowerment and social inclusion
Sustainable consumption and production
Human rights and justice
Research and policy advocacy
Good governance and accountability
Our Vision
To be an advocate for justice and fairness and promote innovation and entrepreneurship
Our Mission
To promote a just and humane society through enhanced consumer protection, advocacy, entrepreneurship and empowerment to strengthen sustainable economic growth.
Our Values
Good governance and Accountability:
We promote principles of good governance, uphold honesty and transparency in all we do for people and organizations at all times, and take responsibility towards proper use of resource entrusted to us by our partners, donors and communities we serve.
Integrity
We are mindful of our image and reputation. We do not compromise our standards before, during and after project implementations for any reason.
Human Rights and Justice:
We promote rule of law, advocate for peaceful co-existence of all people, respect of human rights and access of justice for all.
Professionalism and Excellence:
We strive to maintain a high quality of work delivery, always giving our best to make a lasting impact.
Equity:
We value and seek best practices for equitable access and opportunities.