The Kano Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has successfully mediated and resolved a dispute between Choice Air Cargo, a company engaged in the transportation of goods from overseas, and a Kano-based businessman, Alhaji Shuaibu Muhammad Sale.
The dispute followed a disagreement over the method of transporting goods purchased by Sale from China after the company allegedly changed the agreed mode of shipment from air freight to sea freight.
Speaking before the Council, Sale said he engaged Choice Air Cargo to transport his goods to Nigeria after the company assured him that the consignment would be delivered by air within two weeks.
He, however, said the goods were not delivered within the agreed period and eventually arrived after about three months.
According to him, he later discovered that the goods had been transported by sea, contrary to the initial agreement. The disagreement arose when the company requested payment based on the charges earlier agreed for air transportation.
Responding to the complaint, the company’s representative before the Council, Malam Kabir Muhammad, explained that the change in the mode of transportation resulted from challenges encountered by the company during the shipment process.
Muhammad acknowledged the company’s responsibility in the matter and assured the Council that Choice Air Cargo would accept the agreed sea-freight charges as the basis for settling the dispute.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the KCPC, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said mediation between consumers and businesses was part of the Council’s mandate.
He explained that the Council seeks to resolve consumer-related disputes amicably, but where settlement cannot be reached, the matter could be referred to the appropriate court for further action.
Dr Ibrahim commended Choice Air Cargo for its cooperation and willingness to resolve the dispute, urging the company and other businesses operating in the state to comply with consumer protection laws and regulations.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the Council by reporting practices that undermine consumer rights.
The Executive Secretary said cooperation between consumers, businesses and the Council would help strengthen consumer protection while contributing to the economic well-being and reputation of Kano State.