Sale of Goods Act (Amendment) Bill

An Act modernizes the Sale of Goods legislation to include e-commerce and digital transactions. It targets buyers, sellers, and e-commerce platforms across all sectors. This strengthens consumer rights and aligns with current commercial practices.

Sale of Goods Act (Amendment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

An amendment to modernise Nigeria's Sale of Goods Act to cover e-commerce transactions, digital goods, and consumer rights in the modern marketplace, aligning with contemporary commercial practices and the growth of online retail.

Who Does It Target?

Buyers and sellers in all commercial transactions — physical and online E-commerce platforms and digital goods sellers Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Businesses in the retail, manufacturing, and services sectors

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Extend the Sale of Goods framework to cover e-commerce, digital products, and platform transactions Strengthen implied warranties and return rights for Nigerian consumers Align Nigerian commercial law with UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce Reduce consumer disputes through clearer sales contract obligations

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: N/A — regulatory framework; FCCPC enforcement funded by government

How to Access

Consumers exercise rights directly with sellers; disputes escalated to FCCPC. Requirements: Any consumer may file a complaint with FCCPC Proof of purchase required for warranty or return claims Complaints to FCCPC should be filed within 12 months of purchase Application method: FCCPC: www.fccpc.gov.ng | Consumer helpline: 0800-FCCPC-NG

Important Terms

Sellers cannot exclude implied warranties for goods sold to consumers Online sellers must provide clear return and refund policies before purchase is completed FCCPC can impose fines of up to 10% of annual turnover for systematic consumer rights violations

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria's e-commerce market reached $12 billion in 2024; modernised sale of goods law will provide legal certainty for the sector's continued growth and consumer protection.

Official Resources

Website: www.fccpc.gov.ng Contact: FCCPC — [email protected] | Helpline: 0800-FCCPC-NG Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The Sale of Goods Act (Amendment) Bill would operate under the Sale of Goods Act 1893 (as adopted in Nigeria), the Consumer Protection Council Act, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. It aligns with the Electronic Transactions Act, the Data Protection Act 2023, and Nigeria's obligations under the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and UNCTAD's e-commerce frameworks for consumer protection.