Health
Importers intensify campaign against substandard products
Ikenna Obianeri
Members of the Importers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State branch, have intensified a renewed campaign against substandard products, warning that the days are gone when the country was used as a dumping ground for all manner of adulterated products.
Speaking during a two-day state-wide stakeholders sensitisation seminar in Awka, the state Director-General, IMAN, Obinna Moluokwu, said the association is synergising with the state government through the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that goods imported into the state are genuine.
Moluokwu, who spoke on the seminar’s theme, ‘Securing trade corridors and unlocking blue economy opportunities’, added that there is no going back in its resolve to tackle fake/substandard products across the state.
He said the seminar, organised in collaboration with the state government, is aimed at positioning Anambra State for safe Commerce, the African Continental Free Trade Area, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
He said, “The Association has come to tackle fake/substandard products littered across the state, and we will not relent in carrying out this exercise. Gone are the days when the state was used as a dumping ground for fake products.
“We will be assisting the state government and other relevant authorities to supervise the goods imported into the state in a combined effort to make the state the ‘Dubai of Africa’.
“When you see what our state governor is doing, transforming Anambra to be the ‘Dubai of Africa’, you will give him all the necessary support. This government is also making everybody relax in terms of security, as we now sleep with our two eyes closed.
“This seminar has provided an important platform for Anambra stakeholders to engage with national institutions, organised private sectors and professional stakeholders on practical pathways for strengthening its commercial, industrial, logistics and investment potentials.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by Kingsley Ibe, said the ministry is implementing Nigerian policies in line with international standards as regards local products for the international market.
“The ministry is interested in collaborating with relevant bodies to pilot the affairs of Nigeria for the better, through policy formulation. We are happy with IMAN and encourage you not to relent,” he added.
In his speech, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Nomso Ebonwu, who represented the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, said the state government welcomed the partnership with IMAN, adding that the theme of the seminar is relevant to the state’s development aspirations.
He said, “Trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics, inland waterways, product standards, and AFCFTA market access are interconnected elements of a modern and competitive economy.
“It is our expectation that this dialogue will produce practical recommendations and partnerships capable of advancing Anambra’s position as a competitive commercial, industrial and logistics hub.”
Earlier, the National Secretary General, IMAN, Aliyu Yar’adua, said IMAN remained committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the seminar transcend the event itself and contribute to sustaining stakeholder collaboration, practical policy engagement and measurable economic development.
In his contribution, the President General, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, Humphrey Anuna, said the seminar would go a long way towards curtailing the importation of substandard products into the state.
Also, the President General, Ogidi Building Materials International Market, Jude Nwankwo, said the seminar should be extended to Onitsha.
He added, “Most of the people who attended the seminar here are not the main importers, the main Importers are in Onitsha, and they will not like to leave their business to be here. The people here are more from the academia.
“I discussed with the National Patron of IMAN, Augustine Ekweozor, to repeat this seminar in Onitsha. This seminar will assist the people a lot”.
The highlights of the occasion were the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and resource persons by the state IMAN.
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