By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill seeking to establish the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, following its successful consideration and passage through the third reading.
The bill was passed on Tuesday during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, after the Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Barr. Felix Afe, presented the committee’s report for consideration and approval.
In its report, the committee observed that the law would provide effective mechanisms for addressing consumers’ complaints through negotiation, mediation and reconciliation.
It added that the legislation would compel offending companies, firms, trade associations and individuals to protect consumers, compensate victims and provide relief and safeguards for consumers or communities affected by harmful, injurious or hazardous products and technologies.
The committee further noted that the law would provide for the regular publication of lists of products whose consumption or sale had been banned, restricted or not approved by the Federal Government, while encouraging the formation of voluntary consumer groups and associations to promote the wellbeing and interests of consumers.
According to the committee, the legislation would give consumers’ interests due consideration and provide avenues for redress against obnoxious practices and unscrupulous exploitation by companies, firms, trade associations and individuals.
It added that proper registration and monitoring of products, services and sales promotions in the marketplace had been accorded priority, while guidelines would be provided for manufacturers, importers, dealers and wholesalers on their obligations under the consumer protection law.
The committee also said the law would encourage trade, industrial and professional associations to develop and enforce quality standards in their respective fields, promote public awareness of consumer rights and ensure greater protection for consumers.
It stressed that the provisions of the bill were not contrary to existing Federal laws, urging the House to put necessary measures in place for its effective implementation and make Ondo State a model in consumer protection.
The committee therefore expressed confidence that its observations and recommendations would assist the House in reaching an informed decision on the legislation.
The House Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, commended the Committee on Commerce and Industry for the work done and moved that the bill be read for the third time and passed into law. The motion was seconded by Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, representing Owo constituency 2.
Following a voice vote by the lawmakers, the bill was unanimously passed into law.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, commended the lawmakers and the committee for their thorough consideration of the legislation, noting that the new law would strengthen consumer protection, promote fairness in the marketplace and provide Ondo State residents with stronger avenues for redress against exploitative practices.
Meanwhile, the House passed through second reading a bill for a Law to amend the Appropriation Law 2026 and for Other Matters Incidental Thereto or Connected Therewith.
The Bill was thereafter committed to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for detailed scrutiny and further legislative action.
Contributing to the debate, the House Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, said the proposed amendment was necessary to enable the government to sustain the implementation of its programmes and projects and respond effectively to emerging needs across the state. He said the amendment would further ease the implementation of ongoing projects and create opportunities for the government to do more for the people.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, representing Ondo West Constituency I, urged members to critically examine the proposed amendment, particularly in view of the need to address infrastructure, housing, workers’ salaries and other obligations. He said the government had continued to devote significant attention and resources to development across the state.
Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, representing Akure South Constituency I, noted that several road projects were ongoing across the state.He said the projects were aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the wellbeing of residents.
Barr. Stephen Abitogun, representing Akure South Constituency II, also supported the proposed amendment, noting that the government had recorded interventions in various sectors, including the recent payment of over N3 billion to retirees. He urged the House to give the Bill the necessary consideration to enable the government to consolidate its achievements and address emerging needs.
The lawmakers collectively stressed the need for proper scrutiny and effective legislative oversight of the amended budget to ensure that funds were channelled towards projects and programmes that would have direct impact on the people.
The House Leader thereafter moved a motion for the bill to be committed to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. The motion was seconded by Barr. Stephen Abitogun.
The Speaker subsequently directed the committee to scrutinise the bill and report back to the House within one week.
COMMENTS