Public anger erupts following the arrest of a woman for criticizing Erisco's Nagiko tomato paste
Erisco Foods Ltd is facing a wave of criticism on social media as Nigerians express their outrage over the apprehension of a female customer, Chioma Egodi. Her offense was posting a negative review of their product, Nagiko Tomato Mix.
On September 17, 2023, Egodi shared a photo of the tomato tin she had purchased from a store on X and wrote, "I decided to taste it. The sugar content is just excessive."
In response, Erisco stated that it had taken note of a Facebook post made by Chioma Egodi Jnr on September 17, 2023. In her post, she alleged that Nagiko Tomato Mix, one of Erisco Foods Limited's three tomato paste varieties, contained an excessive amount of sugar and was therefore unsuitable for human consumption.
We will take all necessary measures to address any unfounded attacks on our reputation."
As a result, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) confirmed on X, Monday, that the woman had been apprehended by the company and subsequently transferred to Abuja.
Babatunde Irukere, the Director-General of the FCCPC, stated, "@fccpcnigeria operatives have verified the arrest and the case's transfer to Abuja by the Police Force. Upon arrival, she was no longer at the station. We are working to ascertain her exact current location and are engaging with Force HQ in Abuja. Summons are being promptly issued to @EriscoFoodsLtd."
Erisco Foods' actions have garnered widespread condemnation on social media, with many users advocating for a boycott of the product.
Here are a few reactions from Nigerians on X:
@daddykdz expressed, "What's the matter with @PoliceNG and the Nigerian government in general? Why would you arrest someone over a product review? If anything, it's a civil matter that should be resolved in a civil court. What's the arrest for? Transferred to Abuja? What a farce!"
@harrisosenum commented, "They say education is a hoax. But when it comes to responding to a customer's feedback on a particular product, they mishandled it. How difficult, or is it like rocket science, to professionally address a customer's observations about your product?
"Exactly, but the CEO seems to want to assert that he's the owner of Nigeria," responded @emmaoghenemaga. "Ironically, barely anyone even knew about the product. This could have been a chance to generate some social media buzz around his product, but instead, he's fixated on the 'do you know who I am' syndrome."
"@EriscoFoodsLtd missed a golden opportunity to promote their products. Their mishandling of this issue has already tarnished the company's reputation. I just disposed of the remaining product in my kitchen," remarked @Funcaliphate.
@shawnokuyemi declared, "It's time to boycott @EriscoFoodsLtd; this is anti-consumer behavior. No one should ever purchase their products again."
"Now @EriscoFoodsLtd has further stained its reputation. I'm double-checking the name of that product! Whenever I see it, I'll remember Chioma," stated @myke_destiny.
"Don't worry; this is just the start of the decline of that product," responded @captainblack03. "Nigerians don't take such matters lightly. We're united in this. If you have the time and resources for a legal battle, let the contest continue, and let's see where the brand stands by year-end."
Leave A Comment