The Federal Government has initiated a comprehensive nationwide inspection and monitoring exercise to ensure businesses across Nigeria adhere to established standards and regulations for pricing, weights, and measurements.
The initiative, which began this week, saw unannounced audits of public and private business premises in Abuja as part of an effort to safeguard consumer interests and promote market transparency.
The exercise, conducted under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, is aimed at enforcing compliance with the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 and the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, stated that this activity is part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said it focuses on ensuring economic stability, fostering consumer confidence, and protecting consumers from fraud and exploitation in the marketplace.
“We are embarking on this exercise to ensure that consumers receive the correct quantity and quality of goods they pay for. This will prevent fraudulent practices and promote fair transactions,” Rimi said during the audit of several businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ambassador Rimi emphasized that the exercise would enhance market trust by ensuring fair pricing and transparent transactions.
He noted that accurate measurements, particularly in sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and fuel, are critical for protecting consumers’ health and safety.
“When businesses adhere to proper pricing, weights, and measurements, consumers can trust that they are getting value for their money.
This builds confidence in the market and supports informed purchasing decisions.
“Moreover, accurate measurements in pharmaceuticals and food products are essential for consumer health and safety,” he noted.
In addition to consumer protection, Rimi highlighted that the enforcement of these regulations will foster investment and economic growth.
He noted that by maintaining a well-regulated environment, Nigeria is expected to attract more investments, boosting national revenues and contributing to overall economic development.
During the exercise, the Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director of Reforms Coordination and SERVICOM, Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, warned that businesses failing to comply with regulations would face serious penalties.
The outlined penalties include fines, seizure of goods, business closure, legal action, and reputation damage.
The monitoring team, which includes representatives from various government agencies, visited key business locations such as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in Lugbe and Sahad Stores in Abuja’s Central Business District.
Following the inspections, Mohammed Nasiru Abbas, Director of Reforms Coordination and SERVICOM, reported that the NNPCL station was granted a pass rating for compliance.
Olajide Bamidele, Director of Weights and Measures at the Ministry, also expressed satisfaction with the NNPCL pumps, noting no breaches were found.
