IMAN Declares Total War On Fake Products, Sensitizes Anambra Stakeholders On Genuine Imports
The Importers Association of Nigeria, IMAN, Anambra State chapter, has vowed to intensify its war against fake and substandard products in the state.
The association made the vow at the end of its two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitization seminar held at Hollywood Event Centre, Awka, with the theme: “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities.”
Speaking at the event, the State Director General of IMAN, Obinna Moluokwu, said the days when Anambra was used as a dumping ground for adulterated products were over. He disclosed that the association is synergizing with the state government through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation to ensure that only genuine goods are imported into the state.
According to him, the seminar, organised in collaboration with the state government, was aimed at positioning Anambra for safe commerce, African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
“We have come to fight fake and substandard products found everywhere in the state and we will not relent in assisting the state government to supervise goods imported into Anambra in its effort to make the state the Dubai of Africa.
“When you see what our Governor is doing, transforming Anambra into the Dubai of Africa, you will give him all the necessary support. This government is also making everybody relax in terms of security, as we now sleep with our two eyes closed.
“This seminar has provided an important platform for Anambra to engage with national institutions, organised private sector and professional stakeholders on practical pathways for strengthening its commercial, industrial, logistics and investment potentials,” Moluokwu stated.
In his remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Kingsley Ibe, said the Ministry is implementing national policy in line with international standards to position local products for the international market. He commended IMAN and urged it not to relent.
Representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Hon. Christian C. Udechukwu, said the state government welcomed the partnership with IMAN, noting that the theme of the seminar is relevant to the state’s development aspirations.
He said: “Trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics, inland waterways, product standards and AfCFTA market access are interconnected elements of a modern and competitive economy. It is our expectation that this dialogue will produce practical recommendations and partnerships capable of advancing Anambra’s position as a competitive commercial, industrial and logistics hub.”
Earlier, the National Secretary General of IMAN, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’Adua, expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo, government functionaries, regulators, security agencies, traditional rulers, members of the academia, captains of industry, panelists, sponsors and the media for their support towards the success of the seminar.
“As IMAN, we remain committed to ensuring that the outcomes of this seminar transcend the event itself and contribute to sustained stakeholder collaboration, practical policy engagement and measurable economic development,” he said.
Also speaking, the President-General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, expressed satisfaction with the seminar, saying it would help curtail the importation of substandard products.
He paid tribute to Governor Soludo for directing the Commissioner for Commerce to collaborate with IMAN.
Similarly, the President-General of Ogidi Building Materials International Market, Chief Jude Nwankwo, described the seminar as fantastic but called for a repeat of the exercise in Onitsha.
“What I heard at the seminar was fantastic. This seminar should be repeated within the Onitsha axis. Most of the people who attended here are not the main importers; the main importers
