IMAN VOWS TO INTENSIFY FIGHT AGAINST FAKE PRODUCTS IN ANAMBRA. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

 IMAN VOWS TO INTENSIFY FIGHT AGAINST FAKE PRODUCTS IN ANAMBRA

By Juliana Nwachukwu

The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Anambra State Branch, has vowed to intensify its campaign against fake, adulterated and substandard products in the state.

The association made the pledge at the end of a two day statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar held from Sept. 15 to 16 at Hollywood Events Centre, Awka, with the theme, “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities.”

The State Director-General of IMAN, Dr. Obinna Moluokwu, said the era when Anambra was regarded as a dumping ground for substandard goods was over.

Moluokwu said the association was collaborating with the state government, through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, to ensure that goods imported into the state were genuine and met required standards.

He said the seminar was aimed at positioning Anambra for safe commerce, competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and sustainable economic growth.

“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 the goods imported into Anambra,” Moluokwu said.

He commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its developmental initiatives and urged stakeholders to support efforts to strengthen the state’s commercial and economic environment.

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, at the seminar, Kingsley Ibe said the ministry was committed to policies aimed at positioning Nigerian products for the international market.

Ibe commended IMAN for organising the seminar and urged the association to sustain its collaboration with government and other stakeholders, stressing the importance of meeting international standards to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, who represented Gov. Soludo, said the state government welcomed the partnership with IMAN.

Ebonwu said trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics, inland waterways, product standards and AfCFTA market access were interconnected elements of a modern and competitive economy.

He expressed optimism that the seminar would generate practical recommendations for strengthening the state’s commercial and industrial potential.

IMAN’s National Secretary-General, Aliyu Ahmed Yar'Adua, thanked the state government, regulators, security agencies, traditional rulers, academics, industry leaders and the media for supporting the programme.

Yar'Adua said IMAN remained committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the seminar translated into sustained stakeholder collaboration, practical policy engagement and measurable economic development.

The President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, said the seminar would help curb the importation and circulation of substandard products in the state.

The President-General of Ogidi Building Materials International Market, Chief Jude Nwankwo, called for a similar sensitisation programme in Onitsha, noting that many major importers based in the commercial city might find it difficult to attend programmes in Awka.

The seminar featured presentations by experts and representatives of relevant institutions, including Engr. Ifeanyichukwu Jude Ngama, Prof. Kate Omenugha, Lilian Njideka of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, a representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and Prof. C.C. Ibe of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Also in attendance were former Chief of Staff to Gov. Soludo, Prof. Ernest Ezeajughi, and IMAN’s National Patron and sponsor of the seminar, Ozo Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor.

Awards were presented to distinguished personalities and resource persons in recognition of their contributions to trade and economic development.