In a significant partnership meeting held yesterday at the Lagos headquarters of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi C. Okeke (FCA), Director General/CEO of SON, welcomed the leadership of the National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN).
The NUMTEN delegation, headed by National President Comrade James Chukwuma Ogu and supported by the National Head of Media and Communications, Comrade Olamide Abiodun, expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian market traders.
Comrade Abiodun articulated the hardships that traders endure daily due to the influx of substandard and unverified products introduced into the market by importers and manufacturers.
He stated, “These activities are causing our members significant capital losses, a decline in market value, and in some tragic cases, loss of lives and property. This erosion of quality is damaging the integrity of our markets.”
Abiodun also outlined potential areas for collaboration between SON and NUMTEN, emphasizing the urgency of a united front against these detrimental practices.
In his address, Comrade Ogu assured Dr. Okeke of NUMTEN’s commitment to support SON’s initiatives aimed at eradicating substandard products from the marketplace.
He appealed for SON’s assistance in enforcement efforts, stating, “NUMTEN is here to lend a helping hand to SON as we work together to protect our markets.”
Responding to the partnership’s objectives, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke expressed his approval and readiness for collaboration. He praised the establishment of NUMTEN, noting its timely emergence amid ongoing challenges.
“We are prepared to provide our operational tools to facilitate effective collaboration with NUMTEN,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, Comrade Manji, Head of the Enforcement Department at SON, reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with NUMTEN to safeguard Nigerian traders from ongoing losses.
“We will stand shoulder to shoulder with NUMTEN in this fight against substandard goods,” he promised.
