The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has launched a nationwide inspection to address unfair business practices, focusing on pricing, weights, and measurements. The initiative, which commenced in Abuja, aims to ensure compliance with established standards and regulations.
During the inspection, a faulty scale at Shoprite’s pastry section on Lugbe Road was sealed due to non-compliance, according to Adebayo Thomas, Director of Press and Public Relations. The task force, led by Mohammed Nasiru Abbas, Director of Reforms Coordination and SERVICOM, also inspected various businesses including NNPC and Sahad Stores, achieving a 95% compliance rate.
Permanent Secretary Amb. Nura Abba Rimi highlighted that the inspection is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which seeks to enhance economic stability, market confidence, and consumer protection. Rimi emphasized that the initiative ensures consumers receive accurate quantities and qualities of goods, thereby preventing fraud and exploitation.
“This nationwide activity is aimed at reinforcing economic stability, market confidence, and consumer protection. We are committed to fair transactions, ensuring that consumers receive exactly what they pay for,” Rimi said. He added that monitoring instruments are checked to ensure compliance with the Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 and the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016.
The ministry warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties such as fines, seizure of goods, business closures, legal action, and reputational damage. The inspection team, which includes various government agencies and the Department of Weights and Measures, will continue the exercise across all 36 states, taking disciplinary action against any infractions.
