▪︎Assures Amicable Resolution
▪︎A photo collage of the CEO of Erisco Foods Limited, Mr Eric Umeofia, and Chioma Okoli.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) says that the actions taken by Erisco Foods Limited – the manufacturers of Nagiko tomato paste, on Chioma Okoli, were justified.
The Association assures the public that it will resolve the case amicably.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director- General of MAN described Chioma’s comment on the product, as “social media defamation,” given the fact that the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, and the Standards Organization of Nigeria, investigated Chioma’s claim, and exonerated the manufacturer.
He urged regulators and the buying public to engender an atmosphere that promotes objectivity and fairness, whilst safeguarding the interest of the consumer protecting the business and integrity of the manufacturers from the adverse effects of social media trial and defamation and ensuring fairness for all stakeholders.
Ajayi-Kadir said that social media defamation could significantly affect businesses and even threaten their existence.
He stressed the need for measures that recognize the challenges faced by manufacturers in Nigeria and encourage consumer patronage and empathy.
He emphasizes that manufacturers should be protected from the adverse effects of unverified negative claims about locally manufactured products.
While acknowledging and encouraging consumers’ right to voice legitimate complaints through appropriate channels.
He underscored the significance of holding consumers accountable for spreading false information about local products and attempting to vilify local manufacturers in the public opinion place