Ariaria Market Sets Up 24-Man Taskforce to Tackle Fake, Substandard Goods in Aba
In a bold move to sanitize trade practices and restore consumer confidence, traders at the Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, have inaugurated a 24-man Ethics and Quality Control Taskforce to curb the spread of fake, substandard, and expired products within the popular commercial hub.
The development was announced on Monday by the Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Mr. Michael Aniorji, during a press briefing at his office. Aniorji emphasized that the primary goal of the taskforce is to protect consumers and uphold ethical standards in the market, which is one of the largest in West Africa.
“This taskforce is established to ensure that traders no longer deceive customers with fake, expired, or low-quality goods,” he stated. “Our commitment is to protect lives, health, and public trust in Ariaria.”
According to Aniorji, the taskforce will work closely with key federal regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), to screen and scrutinize all food items, drugs, palm oil, and vegetable oil entering the market.
“We want to make sure that such products are not only properly registered but also fit for consumption and use,” he added.
Aniorji issued a stern warning to traders, making it clear that any vendor caught selling fake, expired, or substandard products would face severe penalties, including forfeiture of their shop and expulsion from the market.
He also promised consumer protection policies, stating that traders would now be held accountable for defective products, even after sales have been completed.
“If any customer returns a product he bought after discovering it is of low quality or not in good order, the seller can no longer say that he cannot replace it because the buyer has paid for it,” he said. “Any trader who does that would be made to pay through their nose.”
On the proposed remodeling of Ariaria Market, the chairman disclosed that traders have accepted the idea in principle. However, he noted that there is concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the contractor reportedly assigned to handle the remodeling project.
“The contractor has not yet officially introduced himself or presented documentation confirming his engagement. Work has not started because we don’t even know who we’re dealing with,” he explained.
Aniorji urged the state government to officially introduce the contractor to the traders’ union to avoid distrust and ensure smooth implementation of the remodeling plan.
The Ariaria market leadership’s efforts have been widely welcomed by consumers, health advocates, and regulatory agencies, who see it as a significant step toward reforming one of Nigeria’s most influential commercial centers.
