The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, paving the way for stronger safeguards for consumers across the state.
The legislation was approved during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji, following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry by its chairman, Felix Afe.
The committee said the proposed agency would provide mechanisms for consumers to seek redress through negotiation, mediation and reconciliation, particularly in disputes arising from harmful or substandard products and services.
It said the law would also place obligations on companies, firms, trade associations and individuals to protect consumers, compensate victims and provide relief to communities affected by dangerous products, technologies or business practices.
According to the committee, the legislation would require the regular publication of products prohibited, restricted or not approved for consumption or sale by the Federal Government. It would also encourage the establishment of voluntary consumer associations to promote consumer welfare.
The lawmakers said the law would strengthen the registration and monitoring of products, services and sales promotions while setting out responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, dealers and wholesalers.
The committee further stated that the legislation would promote public awareness of consumer rights and encourage professional and trade bodies to establish and enforce quality standards within their respective sectors.
The House Leader, Chief Olatunji Oshati, moved for the bill to be read for the third time and passed. The motion was seconded by Prophetess Atinuke Witherspoon, representing Owo Constituency II, after which the bill was unanimously approved through a voice vote.
Oladiji commended the lawmakers and the committee for their work, saying the legislation would improve consumer protection, promote fairness in the marketplace and give residents stronger channels to challenge exploitative practices.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also passed through second reading a bill seeking to amend the 2026 Appropriation Law and referred it to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation for detailed consideration.
Oshati said the amendment was necessary to sustain government programmes and projects and respond to emerging needs, while the Parliamentary Secretary, Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju, urged thorough scrutiny of the proposal, particularly provisions relating to infrastructure, housing and workers’ salaries.
Other lawmakers, including Olajide Oguntodu and Stephen Abitogun, cited ongoing road projects and the recent payment of more than N3bn to retirees as reasons the amendment deserved careful consideration.
The Speaker directed the Finance and Appropriation Committee to scrutinise the bill and submit its report to the House within one week.