top of page

When Customer Feedback Becomes Harassment

Chioma Egodi, a Nigerian woman, learned a harsh lesson about the potential perils of customer feedback. Little did she know, that her critical comments about a tomato paste brand, Nagiko, would unleash a torrent of injustice that would shatter the peace of her life and her family.


Her feedback has transformed their life and made them potential targets. Imagine the fear and vulnerability this has caused the Egodi's. Her experience raises critical questions about freedom of speech and the power imbalance between consumers and corporations.


In September 2023, Chioma Egodi's honest assessment of the product's excessive sweetness triggered an unimaginable response from Erisco Foods, the manufacturer. Instead of engaging with the feedback, they launched a ruthless campaign against her. However, a core issue lies in her right to express her opinion.


It's crucial to note that a lack of detailed ingredient information on the product packaging raises concerns. Consumers deserve transparency about what they're putting into their bodies. Did Nagiko list the sugar content? If so, what was the quantity? These are questions Erisco should address openly.


Chioma Egodi's fight for justice became even more challenging. Legal battles under Nigeria's Cyber Crime Prohibition Act (why this is even a cyber crime is baffling when no computer or system was intentionally accessed for fraudulent purposes to obtain data that's vital to national security or for a criminal offence) coupled with arrests and the threat of a hefty lawsuit, has created a constant state of anxiety for her family. The message from Erisco was clear: dissent has a heavy price.


Chioma Egodi's story highlights the chilling effect unsolicited feedback can have on consumers. It raises questions about whether Egodi's review truly impacted sales or manufacturing? If it did, where is the evidence? Is stifling critical voices a viable business strategy?


Ultimately, Chioma Egodi's experience underscores the need for:

  • NAFDAC to ensure changes are made to what Nigerians are consuming in product's. Product packaging must have full listing of ingredients including its nutritious value.

  • Protection of Consumers: Consumers deserve the right to express honest feedback. Her comments are not a crime, it should be a civil matter.

  • Accountable Corporations: Companies should respond to criticism constructively, not with intimidation tactics.

  • Responsible Use of Social Media: While expressing opinions online is important, responsible language is also key.


Chioma Egodi deserves justice for the harassment she endured, her family needs to feel safe in their very own country. Her story should be a catalyst for change. We shall and must advocate for a digital environment where consumers can express their views freely and corporations operate with transparency and accountability.



12th April, 2024



Comments


bottom of page