By Chinedum Treasure
The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Anambra State Chapter, has pledged to collaborate with the state government to curb the circulation of fake and substandard products in the state.
The association said Anambra would no longer serve as a dumping ground for adulterated goods, stressing that it would support government efforts to ensure that imported products meet required standards.
Speaking at a two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar themed “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities,” IMAN State Director-General, Obinna Moluokwu, said the association would not relent in its campaign against fake products.
Moluokwu said the seminar, organised in collaboration with the state government, was aimed at promoting safe commerce, strengthening participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and improving the state’s economic competitiveness.
“We have come to fight fake and substandard products found everywhere within the state, and we will not relent in assisting the state government to supervise goods imported into Anambra,” he said.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented at the event by Kingsley Ibe, said Federal Government policies were being implemented at the grassroots to improve the lives of Nigerians.
National Patron of IMAN, Dr Augustine Ekweozor, identified security, infrastructure, sound regulation and business opportunities as critical to the growth of commerce. He said Anambra’s manufacturing capacity, entrepreneurial base, commercial networks and waterways provided opportunities for greater participation in the blue economy and AfCFTA.
The NAFDAC State Coordinator, Pharm. Louis Madubuattah, stressed the importance of securing trade corridors to prevent the infiltration of substandard products, saying, “quality is business.”
Lead paper presenter, Dr Obiora Madu, Director-General of the African Centre for Supply Chain, said Anambra had the capacity to become a leading economy in Nigeria but needed improved logistics to fully realise its potential.
President-General of ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, commended the seminar, saying it would help check the importation of substandard products into the state.
National Secretary-General of IMAN, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, thanked the state government, regulators, security agencies, traditional rulers, academia, business leaders, sponsors and the media for supporting the event.
The seminar featured presentations and discussions by experts from government agencies, academia, the organised private sector and trade associations. Distinguished personalities and resource persons were also honoured with awards at the event.
Tags: Anambra, IMAN, Fake Products, AfCFTA
