By Juliet Umeh

Direct selling company, QNET Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices and consumer protection. The firm reiterated its stance during the World Consumer Rights Day, WCRD, event organised by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, LASCOPA.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, General Manager of QNET Nigeria, Mr. Ayokunmi Solesi, described the company’s partnership with LASCOPA as a strategic step to strengthen consumer awareness and address misconceptions surrounding its operations.

“We want consumers to clearly understand what we stand for,” Solesi said. “QNET is a global lifestyle and wellness company operating within the direct selling space, providing individuals with opportunities to sell our products responsibly. We are not into recruitment; we do not pay commissions without actual product sales. Our focus is strictly on quality products, and individuals earn only when they sell these products.”

He noted that despite the company’s strict adherence to regulations, QNET continues to face challenges due to misinformation, particularly claims linking its business model to Ponzi schemes. “Misinformation is one of the biggest challenges in the Nigerian business environment. Clear communication is key-consumers need to understand how the business operates and the standards our products meet,” he added.

The WCRD event, which brought together regulators, consumer advocates, industry stakeholders, and the media, provided a platform to discuss key consumer risks, including the proliferation of substandard products, misleading marketing, and counterfeit goods.

During a panel session themed “Manufacturer and Trader Responsibilities in Ensuring Product Safety Through Regulatory Compliance,” stakeholders emphasised that consumer protection is not only a regulatory requirement but also a driver of economic confidence. “Trust is the foundation of any thriving market,” a panelist observed. “When consumers lose confidence in product quality, the entire marketplace is weakened.”

Solesi further highlighted that QNET products are certified by regulatory authorities, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. “All our products available in Nigeria meet international standards, the same as in Europe,” he said.

He urged consumers to purchase directly from the company’s official platform to avoid counterfeit products, noting that middlemen often increase the risk of substandard goods. “Visiting our official website ensures that buyers access genuine products and accurate information,” Solesi added.

Other panelists called for stronger regulatory institutions, standardisation, and cross-sector collaboration to safeguard consumers, particularly in the growing digital and cross-border trade space. They also urged consumers to proactively seek verified information and report substandard products to ensure accountability.

Earlier, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the economic and social consequences of defective and counterfeit products, stressing the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose, also emphasised that a strong consumer protection framework is essential for Lagos, with its population of over 23 million, to sustain economic activity and foster confidence in goods and services.

The event underscored the growing importance of consumer protection in Nigeria’s economy, highlighting the need for transparency, collaboration, and public education to build a safe and trustworthy marketplace.