Anambra State Government launches coordinated action to clean up markets, eliminate fake products

 

By Ebele Iyke Odili/Amaka Isikala 

Anambra State Government has intensified campaign against fake and substandard products with a renewed multi-agency enforcement strategy aimed at sanitizing markets and protecting consumers across the state. 

This was the focus of a press briefing held yesterday at the office of the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, in Awka.

The meeting brought together representatives of key regulatory and security agencies, including Abdullahi Umar of the Department of State Services (DSS), Engr. Waribeko Fidelis of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Barr. Kenneth Nwalaka of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Each agency reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the state government to ensure coordinated enforcement and the removal of harmful products from the markets.

Speaking after shortly after the conference, Commissioner Udechukwu explained that the initiative was part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to create a safe, competitive and well-regulated business environment in Anambra.

He noted that while several agencies such as SON and NAFDAC already have specific mandates and task forces for different sectors, the state saw the need for greater coordination and harmony to avoid conflicting operations and ensure that all enforcement aligns with the objectives of government.

"The Solution Government is focused on ensuring that “all businessws including SMEs, large manufacturers and medium-scale enterprises, operate in an environment that supports growth and compliance.”

He added that Anambra’s ranking as Number 1 in ease of doing business in the Southeast and among the top 10 nationally is a record the government intends to maintain.

Udechukwu highlighted several ongoing government projects, including the Pharmaceutical Hub under construction in Oba, which aims to put an end to the long-standing problem of fake and adulterated drugs.

"Once operational, the hub will centralize wholesale pharmaceutical activities and ensure strict regulatory surveillance.

"Work is advancing on an upcoming Pharmaceutical Park, expected to be launched next year, which will further tighten quality control for drugs and health-related products."

The commissioner emphasized that the new enforcement framework would compel all manufacturers operating in Anambra State to comply with established standards set by SON, NAFDAC, and other relevant authorities. 

He said the government is also working with these agencies to expand training, capacity building and certification programmes for businesses, so that operators would understand what is required of them before strict enforcement begins.

“Our target is a clean, safe, well-regulated market system. Fake and substandard products will have no safe haven in Anambra State,” Udechukwu declared.

He explained that once businesses are properly trained and informed, enforcement teams would move fully into the markets to “remove anything that is not genuine, illegal, or unsafe for public use.”

Representatives of SON, DSS and NSCDC each commended the initiative and expressed their readiness to collaborate seamlessly with the state government. 

They also pledged to support the unified enforcement approach designed to enhance market integrity and protect consumers.

The commissioner thanked all agencies present and appreciated the media for their role in promoting public awareness on the state government’s zero-tolerance posture.