Traders at Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, have established a 24-man ethics and quality control taskforce aimed at preventing the influx of fake, substandard, and expired products into the market.
The Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Mr. Michael Aniorji, announced this initiative on Monday, stating that it was designed to protect customers and consumers from substandard products and deceptive trading practices.
Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies
According to Aniorji, the taskforce will incorporate officials from the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ensure comprehensive oversight.
"If any customer returns a product he bought after discovering it is of low quality or not in good order, the seller can no longer say that he cannot replace it because the buyer has paid for it," Aniorji explained.
He emphasized that "any trader who does that would be made to pay through their nose," highlighting the market's commitment to consumer protection.
Strict Quality Control Measures
The taskforce will scrutinize all food items and drugs being brought into the market to prevent fake and expired products from reaching consumers. Vendors of palm oil and vegetable oil are also included in the team to check deceitful trading practices in those sectors.
"Our promise and decision was that any trader found selling fake products or who is into deceitful trading practices will forfeit his or her shop and would be eased out of the market," warned the chairman.
Market Remodeling Plans
Aniorji also revealed that traders in the market have accepted a proposal to remodel the facility. However, he expressed reservation that traders have only seen one contractor who is yet to present papers confirming his engagement.
According to the chairman, the contractor has not started work because he has not been officially introduced to the traders' union.
This initiative by Ariaria International Market, one of Nigeria's largest commercial centers, represents a significant step toward ensuring product quality and consumer safety in the region.
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