The Nigerian Government has initiated a nationwide inspection and monitoring exercise across all 36 states to ensure businesses adhere to established standards and regulations concerning pricing, weights, and measurements.
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, stated that the exercise is part of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda aimed at enhancing economic stability through improved market confidence, consumer protection, and fair transactions. Rimi was represented by Mohammed Abbas, Director of Reforms Coordination and SERVICOM.
Abbas explained that the monitoring focuses on ensuring consumers receive accurate quantities and quality of goods, thereby preventing fraud and exploitation.
Businesses failing to meet the requirements of the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 or the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 will face restrictions on their products being used or sold, Abbas added.
The benefits of enforcing accurate pricing, weights, and measurements include preventing consumer fraud and unfair practices, fostering market trust, ensuring fair pricing, and promoting health and safety. Accurate measurements in food and pharmaceuticals are crucial for proper dosage and consumer safety.
The ministry’s spokesperson highlighted that a regulated business environment encourages investment and economic growth. Non-compliant businesses will face penalties designed to uphold fair practices and protect consumers.
The inspection team, led by Abbas, evaluated the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in Lugbe and Sahad Stores in the Central Business District of Abuja. NNPCL received a positive rating for compliance, and no breaches were found at its pump stations. However, the team noted one instance of non-compliance at ShopRite along Lugbe Road, where a scale in the pastry section was found faulty. The equipment was sealed until it could be calibrated, with plans for a follow-up inspection once it is ready.