In a significant move to safeguard consumers and uphold market integrity, traders at Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, have launched a 24-man ethics and quality control taskforce. This initiative aims to prevent the influx of counterfeit, substandard, and expired products into the market, thereby protecting customers from deceptive practices.
According to Mr. Michael Aniorji, Chairman of Ariaria International Market, the taskforce will collaborate with officials from the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ensure the quality and authenticity of products sold in the market. Aniorji emphasized that the taskforce’s primary objective is to prevent fake and expired products from entering the market, thereby protecting consumers from potential harm.
In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, Aniorji pledged that customers who purchase low-quality or defective products will be entitled to a replacement or refund. He warned traders that attempting to deny customers a refund or replacement will result in severe penalties, stating that “any trader who does that would be made to pay through their nose.”
The taskforce will also scrutinize food items and drugs being brought into the market to prevent the sale of counterfeit and expired products. Furthermore, traders selling palm oil and vegetable oil will be part of the team to monitor and prevent deceitful trading practices in these areas. Aniorji emphasized that traders found selling fake products or engaging in deceptive practices will face severe consequences, including the loss of their shop and expulsion from the market.
In a related development, Aniorji revealed that traders in the market have accepted a proposal to remodel the market. However, he expressed concerns that only one contractor has been introduced, and that contractor has yet to present confirmation papers to the traders’ union. As a result, the contractor has not commenced work, pending official introduction to the union.
The establishment of the ethics and quality control taskforce at Ariaria International Market marks a significant step towards promoting consumer protection and market integrity. With the collaboration of regulatory agencies and traders, the taskforce aims to create a safer and more transparent market environment, ultimately benefiting both consumers and legitimate traders.
