The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Anambra State Branch, has vowed to intensify its campaign against fake and substandard products in the state, declaring that there is no going back in the fight.
The Director-General of IMAN, Anambra State Branch, Obinna Moluokwu, made the declaration during a two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar themed, “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities,” held at Hollywood Events Centre, Awka.
Moluokwu said the days when Anambra was used as a dumping ground for adulterated and substandard products were over, stressing that the association was collaborating with the state government through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation to ensure that imported goods entering the state met required standards.
According to him, the seminar, organised in collaboration with the state government, was aimed at positioning Anambra for safe commerce, participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), competitiveness 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 in its effort to make the state the Dubai of Africa.
“When you see what our governor is doing, transforming Anambra to be the Dubai of Africa, you will give him all the necessary support. This government is also making everybody to relax in terms of security as we now sleep with our two eyes closed.
“This seminar has provided an important platform for Anambra to engage with national institutions, the organised private sector and professional stakeholders on practical pathways for strengthening its commercial, industrial, logistics and investment potentials,” he stated.
Speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Kingsley Ibe, encouraged IMAN to intensify its efforts against illicit trade practices and substandard products.
Ibe said the ministry was implementing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy policies in line with international standards, particularly regarding local products intended for international markets.
He commended IMAN for its efforts and urged the association not to relent in its campaign.
In his speech, the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, said the state government welcomed the partnership with IMAN in organising the stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar.
Ebonwu said the theme was relevant to the state’s development aspirations, noting that 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 said, “It is our expectation that this dialogue will produce practical recommendations and partnerships capable of advancing Anambra’s position as a competitive commercial, industrial and logistics hub.”
Earlier, the National Secretary-General of IMAN, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo, government officials, regulatory and security agencies, traditional rulers, members of the academia, captains of industry, panelists, sponsors, partners and the media for their support towards the success of the seminar.
He particularly appreciated the resource persons and institutional representatives for their contributions towards strengthening Nigeria’s trading environment and unlocking the economic potential of Anambra State and the wider South-East.
“As IMAN, we remain committed to ensuring that the outcomes of this seminar transcend the event itself and contribute to sustained stakeholder collaboration, practical policy engagement and measurable economic development,” Yar’adua stated.
Also speaking, the President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Humphrey Anuna, expressed satisfaction with the seminar, saying it would contribute to curtailing the importation of substandard products into the state.
Anuna commended Governor Soludo for recognising the importance of the seminar and directing the Commissioner for Commerce to collaborate with IMAN in organising the event.
Similarly, the President-General of Ogidi Building Materials International Market, Jude Nwankwo, described the seminar as impressive and called for its replication in the Onitsha axis.
“What I heard at the seminar was fantastic. This seminar should be repeated within the Onitsha axis.
“Most of the people who attended the seminar here are not the main importers. The main importers are in Onitsha, and they may not be able to leave their businesses to attend a seminar here. The people here are more from the academia.
“I discussed with the National Patron of IMAN, Ozo Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor (Ide), to repeat this seminar in Onitsha because the Onitsha businessman may not leave his business to attend a seminar in Awka. However, this kind of seminar will assist the people a lot,” he said.
The event featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and resource persons in recognition of their contributions to trade development and the success of the seminar.
