Do we really have efficient consumer rights in Nigeria?

-


Bruhm Chest Freezer


When I moved into my new apartment, my brother bought me a brand new Bruhm freezer in December 2019 from Somotex.. On the freezer there are two bold warranty stamps of 5years and 24months.

 

The freezer packed up in June 2021 (exactly 18 months after) I reached out to the company who now told me that the freezer is out of warranty so, I'd for their service. 
 
Really? How? I asked.

Chat with dealer

 
They said that in the receipt it was written that warranty is one year only and I have to pay for after sales service going forward.

I kept trying to get in touch with them to fix it but no headway was made.


Then today October 19th I asked a technician to check only to be told that the freezer engine is burnt. I have to replace it with ₦38,000 (naira) for a 200litre chest freezer that I bought at ₦98,000?

Then I realised this is how these Chinese guys rip Nigerians off. They are completely messing with us. 

Since when does electronics or a freezer come with just one year warranty?
How does it pack up right after a year?

Sometime ago, while I was on a trip abroad. I was returning to Nigeria from Washington when my flight was delayed and rerouted to Atlanta. On getting to Atlanta the flight was delayed again due to mechanical fault so I and other passengers opted to get off the plane and join another flight in NewYork the next day. Every penny (with receipt to prove) I spent staying over at Atlanta was refunded by the airline with plenty apologies and further discount offered on my next trip.
 
That's because they operate from a country where things work. Where consumer rights are protected and people get value for their money.

But...over here in Nigeria....Our own country, nothing works and its sad.

Nigeria must really be a dumpsite for Chinese manufacturers and as usual our government agencies and leaders unlook.

Where is SON and FCPC? and what do they really do?
 
Who gave this Chinese company the right to overwrite the 5years warranty (apparently from the manufacturer)? and at what point did the quality depreciate so bad that 5years turned into one year? Could it be they remove the original manufacture's parts?
 
Questions begging for answers....
 
Government agencies have become collection centers. 
 
They stay in their big offices collecting, approving and issuing certificates/clearance without due diligence... Because (if not), what kind of shabby product is this being brought into Nigeria to sell to Nigerians?

If Consumer Protection Commission was efficient these type of companies would have long gone extinct.

The "mago-mago" level these Chinese firms play us in our own country is way overboard.

For a freezer that I barely used because I had a freezer top refrigerator that we were already used to and didn't store much.....I cannot believe this!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why I Stopped Paid Employment

-
Image
Claudia  I stopped paid employment because you can hardly satisfy a Nigerian employer if you're not suffering on the job. Most organisations here have toxic work culture. People carry their seniority mentality from secondary school into the workplace. I used to overwork (that's literally how we work here). Do all that and more.  While working for Nigerian firms, I thought hardwork was good work till I started working with a Ghanaian firm where you get upto 2weeks to deliver one article yet they pay on time. I shock! A Nigerian company will expect you to deliver 5 to 10 contents (articles) in a week.  How?....& for what? Worst still, if you have a terrible superior your work may never pass. It's more like a "dog eat dog" situation where correction is not done with "your growth" in mind. You'll be feeling drained and looking overused and abused all the time. That's why their HR be like "can you work under pressure?" As if it's a g...
Read more

When Your Spouse Turns into Your Flatmate: What Next?

-
Image
  Marriage is often romanticized as a lifelong journey of love, connection, and shared dreams. However, as time goes on, couples might find themselves grappling with an unexpected shift in their relationship dynamics. It's the point where familiarity turns into monotony, intimacy morphs into mere coexistence, and the question arises: at what point does your spouse become your flatmate? This crucial juncture, if left unaddressed, can become a dangerous pitfall for the relationship. Let me share some takes on the signs that signal this transition and insights into how couples can rekindle their connection before it's too late. Personally, once I lose connection it’s as if I am mentally done but is there a way to make adjustments and realign? Of course. Though it is often said that the cordiality of a relationship is usually held down by one person but we all know it takes two to make it work. Where one or both parties are not willing, the union cannot stand. A situation where on...
Read more

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life

-
Image
  Life, with all its twists and turns, often feels like a rollercoaster ride. Just when we think we have it all figured out, it throws us a curveball or takes us on an unexpected loop.  From thrilling highs to challenging lows, navigating life's ups and downs is a journey filled with valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Whether it's a sudden job loss, a health scare, or a broken relationship, curveballs can leave us feeling confused and uncertain about the future.  However, it is during these moments of adversity that we might discover our inner strength and resilience. Instead of resisting change, embracing the curveballs allows us to adapt and evolve. It teaches us to let go of control and embrace the uncertainty of life. While it may be uncomfortable at first, facing challenges head-on ultimately leads to personal growth and self-discovery. Just as life has its curveballs, it also has its floating times...
Read more