PRODUCT LIABILITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION MECHANISMS IN RELATION TO TRANS-BORDER TRANSACTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: LESSONS FOR NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria, with respect to product liability in relation to consumer protection in trans-border transactions, it appears that there is no specific statute that governs product liability regime. However, the sector specific approach is hinged on adopting consumer protection statutes, which provide remedies and impose duties and obligations that affect product liability claims. The Nigerian Laws, which provide for consumer protection do not cover the aspect of extra-territoriarity in which a manufacturer in a foreign country would be held liable for defective products imported into another country. The United Kingdom had established a formidable legal 
regime towards the protection of consumers of products. This article examines the product liability regime of the United Kingdom in relation to trans-border transactions and recommends that if the UK model is adopted in Nigeria, consumers who are domiciled in Nigeria will be more confident in trans-border transactions.