The Effects Of Consumerism In Marketing Of Fake/counterfeit Drugs In Nigeria

1.2    Statement Of The Problem

In Nigeria, the pace at which business activities are increasing especially marketing of drugs is on the high side and knowing the expectation of a Nigeria business men, they are only concerned in making fast or quick profit, not minding the quality of their products and well being of their consumers.

Hence, the problem of marketing fake/counterfeit drugs have affected the credibility of the health care providers and ended the confidence of   consumers on our health care delivery system. It is the greatest evil of our time and the highest weapon of terrorism against public health as well as an act of economic sabotage. It is an ill wind that blows nobody good.

Marketing of fake drugs have exerted very harmful effects on consumers resulting to illnesses, disabilities and even death, anyone can be a victim.

Some of the incidences have resulted even among children because most times consumers do not know the quality of what they are buying or taking. Again, the rate of illiteracy in Nigeria is very high that majority of consumers are virtually un-informed and even when they know about all these bad practices of marketers, finds it difficult or are not opportune as to where or whom to voice out their complaints and feelings.

This makes it imperative that there is need to intensity efforts in fake drugs eradification in Nigeria to enable consumers be more protected and also to educate and inform the public on the essence of consumer protection in order to join in the fight against it.  

1.3 Objective Of The Study 

The objectives of the study includes the following:

1. To find out the prospects and level of consumer protection movement in Nigeria.

2. To bring out measures/tools that will help to support encourage/increase the intensity of the movement

3. To enlighten the public more on their “Rights” against fake drug marketing.

4. To highlight the impact of fake drug proliferation on consumers and economy at large.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

The study will test the validity of the following hypothetical statement.

H01: The level of consumer protection movement in Nigeria is not low.

Ho2: The entrenching of consumer protection laws, will not encourage/increase the intensity of the consumer protection movement in Nigeria.

H03: Fake drug proliferation has no negative impact on consumers and economy at large.

1.5 Significance of the study

The significance of this study cannot be underestimated as:

1) This study will examine the level of consumer protection movement in Nigeria is not low.

a. Bring out measures/tools that will help to support encourage/increase the intensity of the movement

b. Enlighten the public more on their “Rights” against fake drug marketing.

c. Highlight the impact of fake drug proliferation on consumers and economy at large.

2) The findings of this research work will undoubtedly provide the much needed information to government organizations, NDLEA, Tobacco consumers and academia.

1.6. Scope Of The Study

This study will cover the effect of consumerism in marketing of fake counterfeit drugs in Niger. The study will further delve into finding out the prospects and level of consumer protection movement in Nigeria; bringing out measures/tools that will help to support encourage/increase the intensity of the movement; enlightening the public more on their “Rights” against fake drug marketing; and highlighting the impact of fake drug proliferation on consumers and economy at large. Further, the staff of selected hospitals in Aba main pack, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

1.7 Limitations of the study

This study was constrained by a number of factors which are as follows:

Financial constraint, was faced by  the researcher ,in getting relevant materials  and  in printing and collation of questionnaires

Time factor: time factor pose another constraint since having to shuttle between writing of the research and also engaging in other academic work making it uneasy for the researcher

1.8 Operational definition of terms

Consumer: Any individual who consumes or utilizes products or services is referred to as a consumer

Consumer protection: Consumer protection refers to protecting consumers' interests and rights.

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