The Erisco Foods and Chioma Okoli Case: A Call to Action by Over 300 Women Groups

  

In 2023, a significant controversy erupted in Nigeria involving Erisco Foods and Chioma Okoli, a customer who posted a negative review of one of their products. This incident has drawn widespread attention and led to a substantial backlash from women's advocacy groups across the country.

Chioma Okoli, a Nigerian consumer, posted a review criticizing Erisco Foods' Nagiko Tomato Mix, claiming it contained too much sugar. This review, posted on social media, did not sit well with the CEO of Erisco Foods, Eric Omeofia. He alleged that Okoli's review had severely damaged his company's reputation and business.

Following Omeofia's complaint, Okoli was arrested and has since been incarcerated. This action sparked outrage among consumer rights advocates and women's groups, who viewed the arrest as a severe infringement on the right to free speech and consumer feedback.

The situation escalated further when Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women's organizations, issued a powerful statement demanding Okoli's release and announcing a boycott of Erisco products. The statement was signed by notable figures such as Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the Executive Director of Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC), and other prominent organizations including Women Aid Collective (WACOL), ActionAid Nigeria, and the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), among others.

The statement, titled "Womanifesto Demands Release of Chioma Okoli," reads:

"We call on all Nigerian women to join us to Boycott Erisco products with immediate effect, for the following reasons:

1. Consumer Rights: The continuous incarceration of Chioma Okoli for expressing her honest opinion about a product she purchased is a blatant violation of consumer rights. It sends a dangerous message that consumers cannot freely voice their opinions on the quality of goods they buy.

2. Freedom of Expression: This case represents a broader threat to freedom of speech in Nigeria. The government's silence on this issue is deafening and suggests that it does not support the fundamental rights of its citizens.

3. Solidarity and Justice: By boycotting Erisco products, we stand in solidarity with Chioma Okoli and send a clear message that such intimidation tactics against consumers will not be tolerated. We demand immediate action from the government to secure her release and protect the rights of all consumers."

The coalition has urged the Nigerian government to intervene, highlighting the broader implications of the case for consumer rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The involvement of such a wide array of organizations underscores the gravity of the situation and the collective demand for justice and accountability.

The Erisco Foods and Chioma Okoli case highlights significant issues regarding consumer rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The reaction from women's groups illustrates a growing intolerance for corporate practices that suppress consumer feedback and an insistence on accountability and fair treatment.

The call for a boycott of Erisco products signifies the power of collective action and the influence of public opinion in advocating for justice and consumer protection. As the protest gains momentum, it remains to be seen how Erisco Foods and the Nigerian government will respond to these demands.

This case serves as a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard consumer rights and ensure that individuals can express their opinions without fear of retribution. The actions of Womanifesto and its allied organizations are a testament to the strength and resilience of women's advocacy in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future consumer protection efforts.