Traders at Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State, have launched a 24-member taskforce to monitor ethics and product standards across the market.
Market Chairman, Mr. Michael Aniorji, shared the update on the 23rd of June, 2025.
He said the effort is meant to protect consumers from fake, expired, and low-quality goods.
The taskforce will work with officials from NAFDAC and the Standard Organization of Nigeria to inspect goods especially food items and drugs before they enter the market.
Aniorji said, “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 added, “Any trader who does that would be made to pay through their nose.”
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Traders dealing in palm oil and vegetable oil are also under the new system of checks, as the taskforce aims to stamp out dishonest practices across all sections.
Aniorji said, “Our promise and decision was that any trader found selling fake products or who is into deceitful trading practices will forfeit his or her shop and would be eased out of the market.”
He also addressed plans to remodel the market. According to him, while traders support the idea, the contractor involved has yet to provide documents confirming his appointment or begin any visible work.
He noted that the union still awaits an official introduction of the contractor before any construction can commence.