Traders at the Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, have launched a major campaign to rid the market of fake, substandard, and expired products, pledging stiff penalties against violators.
In a bid to restore consumer confidence and uphold product integrity, the market leadership has inaugurated a 24-man Ethics and Quality Control Taskforce to monitor and sanitize trading activities within the sprawling commercial hub.
Speaking on Monday from his office, the Chairman of Ariaria Market, Mr. Michael Aniorji, announced that the taskforce will work in collaboration with key regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to enforce quality assurance protocols.
Aniorji emphasized that the move was essential to protect customers from dangerous and deceptive products, warning that errant traders would face tough consequences.
“No trader will be allowed to hide under the excuse of a completed transaction,” Aniorji stated. “If a customer returns a product due to poor quality or expiry, the trader will be compelled to replace it. Anyone who fails to comply will pay heavily and risk losing their shop.”
He revealed that the taskforce will pay particular attention to food items, drugs, palm oil, and vegetable oil—sectors where unscrupulous practices have been reported.
“The goal is to cleanse the market of harmful and counterfeit goods,” he said. “Any trader found engaging in such practices will be evicted and will forfeit their space.”
Aniorji also disclosed that traders have shown willingness to support the planned remodeling of the market, but voiced concerns over the engagement of a contractor who has yet to be formally introduced to the traders’ union or provide official documentation of his appointment.
“He has not commenced work, and until we are formally introduced to him with appropriate papers, we cannot move forward,” the chairman noted.
The initiative marks a significant step by the Ariaria Market leadership to align the market with national safety standards and consumer protection benchmarks.
