World Consumer Rights Day 2025: Experts Call for Fairness and Inclusivity in the Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles

From left:Mr Segun Mcmedal, President/CEO, UPTICOMM Marketing Company Ltd;Mrs Tolulope Medebem, President Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria(EXMAN);Mrs Bunmi oke, founder/CEO Ladybird communications;Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria;Mr Daniel Obi, Chairman Brand Journalist of Nigeria(BJAN) Dr Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Principal Consultant/CEO NECCI;Mrs Comfort Obot, President NIPR Lagos State Chapter and Mr Tony Agenmonmen, Managing Consultant OE&E Consulting.at the 2025 Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria World Consumer Rights day with the Theme:A just Transition to Sustainable lifestyles held in Lagos

At the World Consumer Rights Day 2025, hosted by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) on March 14 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, a powerful message resonated through the gathering: sustainability must be fair, responsible, and inclusive. It was a moment of deep reflection for industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and corporate giants as they deliberated on the urgent need for a just transition to sustainable consumer habits.

In her keynote address, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, CEO of Kratos Sustainability Consults, presented a compelling case for fairness in the shift towards sustainability. She challenged the conventional narrative that sustainability is simply about reducing waste or promoting eco-friendly products. Instead, she emphasized that true sustainability ensures equal access to green alternatives without compromising quality of life, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

Victor-Laniyan’s speech struck a chord as she laid bare the harsh realities of modern consumerism—its role in climate change, deforestation, and waste accumulation. More significantly, she highlighted an often-overlooked truth: the burden of environmental degradation falls disproportionately on marginalized communities. “The problem is not that we consume too much, but that we consume unfairly,” she declared, calling for equity-driven sustainability policies that protect workers, communities, and nations affected by this transition.

The event also featured insights from key corporate players who shared their organizations’ sustainability efforts. Victoria Uwadoka (Nestlé Nigeria), Oluseye Olokun (Nigerian Breweries), Aderonke Aderinoye (Guinness Nigeria), and Dennis Aideloje (Rites Foods) reinforced the message that sustainability is not a solo journey but a collective responsibility. They showcased initiatives aimed at ethical production, waste reduction, and consumer education, underscoring the need for strong partnerships to achieve long-term impact.

For Daniel Obi, Chairman of BJAN, the event was a clarion call for businesses to go beyond profit-making and champion sustainable consumer habits. His welcome address emphasized the power of consumer awareness in driving change, urging brands to develop environmentally responsible products and educate consumers on sustainability’s benefits.

Reflecting on the event, it became evident that the conversation on consumer rights is evolving. No longer is it just about fair pricing or product quality—it is about ensuring that the shift to sustainability does not widen social and economic inequalities. The discussions at BJAN’s gathering reaffirmed that businesses, regulators, and consumers must work hand in hand to build a world where sustainability is not a privilege but a shared right.

The resounding takeaway from the event was clear: a just transition to sustainable lifestyles is not an option—it is a necessity. And as the world moves forward, the challenge remains to ensure that no one is left behind in this collective pursuit of a greener future.