The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has begun an enlightenment initiative for the public on legal metrology in preparation for gradual reopening of businesses in post COVID-19 era.
The initiative, which was introduced in a workshop in Calabar on Friday, had the theme: ‘The effects of weights and measures regulatory activities during COVID-19, and how to restore confidence in trade’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that metrology is the study of science of measurement in order to instill confidence of parties in business transactions.
In a lecture on the effects of weights and measures regulations, Mr Ogheneruemu Okerhe, Assistant Director, Department of Weights and Measures in the Ministry, said that no market could function without a common unit of measurement.
Ikerhe said that in any transaction where an equipment was used to deliver service, the duty of his department was to protect the interest of the consumer by making sure that such equipment operated within the limits of the law.
His words;“Legal metrology, which we are trying to ensure, provides protection for public safety, environment, consumers and helps in the enhancement of fairness and accuracy in trade.
“Some of our responsibilities include testing and verification of all measuring instruments that are put into use for all trade and issuance of certificate of verification for all measuring instruments that have been tested and certified fit for trade,” he said.
He added that legal metrology was very important in trade and everyday lives as it boosts confidence in market place while protecting the consumers and providing a level playing ground for commercial activities.
In his remark, Mr Emmanuel Ebukanson, Zonal Coordinator, Department of Weights and Measures, South-South Zone, called on the public to get a copy of the Weights and Measures Act to help reduce conflicts in the sector.
Ebukanson added that the Ministry would continue to engage the consumers and different business associations to ensure that the knowledge of legal metrology was entrenched in the mindset of Nigerians.
Some of the unions present at the workshop were Bakers, Cocoa Farmers and Exporters Associations as well as Association of Packaged water producers among others.
NAN
