The Federal Government has initiated a process to convert the Ways and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment into a full-fledged agency for improved service delivery.
The minister, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, confirmed this during the presentation of a draft legislation copy of the revised Weights and Measures Act by the Act Review Committee, held at the ministry headquarters on Friday.
The new development is coming amidst continued agitation for scrapping or merging of some ministries, departments and agencies in order to reduce the cost of governance.
Adebayo stated that the agency named “Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency” is part of the implementation plan of the Nigeria National Quality Policy approved in 2021.
He explained that the agency would promote accurate measurements, boost consumer confidence and facilitate trade practices to make Nigeria the destination of choice for trading with the international community.
He said, “Today is a memorable day in the history of the development of the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
“This event is part of activities to upgrade the framework of Nigeria’s Weights and Measures Act for improved service delivery and the process of the objectives of the metrology component of the Nigeria National Quality Policy”.
Continuing, the minister assured that accurate measurement of goods and other statutory objectives of the agency will boost revenue and help renew the confidence of international trading countries.
“The provisions, clauses and a Table of Fees are consistent with global best practices, and will promote accurate measurements and facilitate trade practices to make Nigeria the destination of choice for trading to the international community,” he stated.
Earlier in her remarks, the Director, Weights and Measures Department, Comfort Emenbu, emphasized that the policy has incorporated many sectors, including oil and gas adding that exports must be done properly with standard weights and measures of other AfCFTA countries.
Reeling out some of its benefits, she said the policy will create a fair enabling environment for commercial transactions, curb sharp practices in marketplaces and promotion of business competitiveness amongst others.
“Weights and Measures has received prime recognition globally because of the significant roles it has played in the social, economic, and technological development of nations. It is on this note that previous Governments of Nigeria acknowledged the huge position and relevance of Legal Metrology to the economy of Nigeria”.
She promised that at full capacity, the agency would generate more revenue than the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
