FG tasks businesses on compliance with measurement laws to promote fair trade
ABUJA, November 13, 2026
The Federal Government has urged businesses across the country to comply with established weights and measures regulations to eliminate inaccurate measurements, protect consumers and promote fairness and transparency in commercial transactions.
Dr Salim Mohammed, Director of the Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, where he underscored the importance of accurate measurement in safeguarding business interests, strengthening consumer confidence and supporting economic growth.
Dr Mohammed explained that measurement inaccuracies could expose businesses to significant financial losses, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on weighing equipment and metering systems. Citing weighbridges as an example, he noted that an error of 50 kilogrammes per truck could translate into substantial losses annually. A weighbridge handling 100 trucks daily, he added, could record discrepancies of up to 1,500 tonnes over 300 operating days.
He stressed that the verification of weighing and measuring instruments should be viewed as an investment in business protection rather than an unnecessary financial obligation. He noted that the Weights and Measures Act, Cap W3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, empowers the department to inspect and verify instruments used in commercial transactions across the country.
The Director also disclosed plans to strengthen professional certification for personnel responsible for installing, operating, repairing and calibrating weighing and measuring equipment. According to him, enhancing the technical competence of these professionals would improve measurement accuracy, minimise commercial disputes and build greater confidence in business transactions.
Dr Mohammed further cautioned manufacturers and packers against introducing pre-packaged goods in quantities outside the approved standards stipulated by the Act without obtaining the necessary waivers. He warned that violations could attract product confiscation and other legal consequences, urging businesses to secure the appropriate approvals before introducing new packaging sizes.
Earlier, Mrs Cordelia Nwachukwu, Lagos State Zonal Coordinator of the department, said the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between regulatory authorities and the business community. She emphasised that accurate measurement remained fundamental to consumer protection, fair trade and sustainable industrial development.
Also speaking, Mr Samson Okoh, Mainland Ijora State Coordinator of the department, explained that weights and measures regulation, internationally recognised as legal metrology, provides the framework for ensuring that measurements used in commercial activities conform to established standards.
She advised manufacturers seeking to introduce new product packaging sizes to obtain fresh approvals where required, stressing that existing certificates do not automatically cover additional quantities outside previously approved standards.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to promoting voluntary compliance through continuous stakeholder sensitisation while maintaining appropriate enforcement measures against businesses that violate measurement regulations.
Edited by Rosemary Aiyenale
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
