E-Commerce and Consumer Protection: What the Law Says in Nigeria

By Princess Oriarebun

Introduction

The growth of e-commerce in Nigeria has evolved and changed the way goods and services are bought and sold. With millions of transactions now occurring online, consumer protection has become more critical than ever. The Nigerian law recognizes the unique risks of online transactions and provides specific protections to safeguard consumers. This article highlights the key legal protections available to consumers and outlines the responsibilities of online vendors under Nigerian law.

The Legal Framework for E-Commerce and Consumer Protection in Nigeria Key statutes and regulations include:

1. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018
2. Sale of Goods Act 1893
3. Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024
4. Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023

Key Consumer Rights in E-Commerce in Nigeria

1. Right to Accurate and Transparent Information
Consumers are entitled to truthful, complete, and accessible information about goods and
services offered online.
2. Right to Quality and Safe Products
The law protects consumers from substandard, counterfeit, or harmful products, whether
purchased physically or online.
3. Right to Refund, Repair, or Replacement
Consumers have the right to a remedy if goods are defective, falsely described, or not delivered.
4. Right to Protection Against Unfair Practices
Misleading advertising, price deception, and exploitative terms are prohibited under Nigerian
law.
5. Right to Privacy and Data Protection
Online vendors must respect and safeguard consumer personal data, in line with the NDPA.

Responsibilities of Online Businesses

1. Provide clear and accurate product/service descriptions
2. Maintain secure and reliable payment channels
3. Protect consumer personal information
4. Honor delivery timelines, warranties, and return policies
5. Avoid misleading promotions and unfair contract terms

Common E-Commerce Complaints and Legal Protections in Nigeria

E-commerce in Nigeria has grown rapidly, but it also presents common challenges for consumers, including the delivery of substandard or wrong products, non-delivery after payment, difficulty in processing refunds or returns, and exposure to online scams or fraudulent sellers.

To protect themselves, consumers are advised to shop from reputable and traceable platforms, retain proof of transactions and communications, and report violations to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and other applicable laws provide the legal basis for enforcing consumer rights.

As online transactions increase, so does the risk of payment fraud. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 criminalizes the manipulation of electronic payments, unlawful access to banking information, and other forms of cyber fraud. E-commerce platforms are legally required to implement secure systems such as encryption, verified payment gateways, and regular system updates to protect users and reduce liability.

Consumers should also stay vigilant by avoiding suspicious websites, verifying payment channels, and using traceable methods like debit cards, verified fintech apps, or escrow services. In the event of fraud, complaints should be reported to the FCCPC, the consumer’s bank, and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) via its cybercrime units.

Conclusion

The Nigerian legal framework is increasingly supportive of consumer protection in e-commerce. However, enforcing these rights depends on consumer awareness and business compliance.