Traders using inaccurate weights and measurements to cheat customers would henceforth be prosecuted in accordance with the law, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo has  warned.

Mr Adebayo gave the warning at a news conference on Friday in Abeokuta, stressing that malpractices with respect to weighing and measuring of goods, products and commodities contravenes the Weights and Measurements Act.

The ministry commemorated the 2022 World Metrology Day on Friday.

At the event, the minister, represented by Aminu Illalu, the Coordinator of the ministry in Ogun, noted that a first offender would be warned while stringent punishment would be meted out to the culprit in subsequent breaches.

Mr Adebayo said that the Department of Weights and Measures remained covered by the law stipulating very stringent measures against offenders.

He explained that the ministry had inaugurated a committee to review the Weights and Measures Act and other relevant technical regulations.

He explained that the essence of the review was to ensure that the department was adequately prepared to meet the current and future challenges in its enforcement activities.

The minister noted that worldwide uniformity of measurement ensured the comparability of measurements and promoted trade through the reduction of trade barriers.

Mr Adebayo said the World Metrology Day was an opportunity to reflect on how much measurements had contributed to the improvement of the nation.

He explained that the science of measurement had contributed immensely to the economic and social development of the society.

“In the economic space, accurate measurement ensures accountability in the determination of the quantity of mineral resources produced in the country.

“It ensures that the quantity of goods and products purchased by consumers are accurate and just,” he said.

The minister stated that among the central components of the national and international quality infrastructure was the science of measurement and its application.

He said that it had started to support the requirements of the new digital economy.

“It is compelling for the Weights and Measures Department, as a public service provider, to leverage existing digital technology in the provision of verification activities and Nigeria’s revenue generation drive.

“This requires the efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders in the metrology community,” the minister said.

Mr Adebayo explained that the ministry would continue to provide necessary support to the department to enable it to continue providing the required services that would ensure measurements in trade transactions and other legal metrology activities were fair, legal and accurate.

Officials of the Weights and Measures Department embarked on a road walk within the Abeokuta metropolis to intimate the public on the activities of the department. 

NAN