CPC withdraws case against Coca-Cola and NBC

                              

After months of battling, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) today announced its decision to withdraw all its pending litigation against the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL).

 In a statement made available to newsmen and signed by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu of the Public Relations Unit of CPC in Abuja, the parties resolved the pending issues to achieve more effective protection of consumer rights.

 “ Following a meeting of the parties in relation to the orders made by the CPC in respect of its investigation on a consumer complaint involving two short-filled cans of sprite, the council, the NBC Ltd. and CCNL have agreed to an amicable resolution of the contentious issues. In the spirit of constructive dialogue and amicable resolution and in the interest of a friendly environment that will ensure more effective protection of consumer rights, the parties committed to withdraw all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, instituted in respect of the investigations.’’ the statement said.


The CPC had earlier filed a case against the Coca-Cola and NBC, based on a complaint it received regarding two half empty cans of sprite. The product was manufactured by the NBC under the licence and authority of CCNL, with allegations of rusty bottle crown corks, rusty cans and foreign particles in products. CPC  then ordered the NBC to subject its manufacturing process to its inspection for a period of 12 months to ensure compliance with standards and regulations. It ordered a review within 90 days of the company’s grievance resolution policy to address compensation for injuries suffered by people who consumed the products.

(NAN)