C'River Gov't Takes Stringent Measures To End Circulation Of Fake, Substandard, Adulterated Products
Ndifereke BASSEY
The Director General of Consumer Protection Agency, Dr. Charles Ushie has stated that Cross River state is poised to take stringent measures to curb circulation of substandard, fake and adulterated goods.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with leaders and stakeholders of different markets in the state held at the Dan Archibong House on Monday, Ushie frowned at incessant charges levied on goods and services, vowing to clamp down come perpetuators of such acts.
The DG said the meeting became necessary to sensitise the stakeholders on their rights and responsibilities in relationship with the consumer.
He said: "This meeting is essential because we also need to listen to the stakeholders to know where it pinches them.
"We have heard from them, we will take their request to the Governor and then get back to them.
"The government through the consumer protection agency is putting a lot on ground to ensure that the traders and consumers rights are protected and we can not allow anyone thwart the effort of the government as the peoples' first administration of His Excellency, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu is committed to bringing the best to Cross Riverians and her residents."
Speaking further, the DG said: " We advise consumers to be conscious of the products they consume by checking the batch number, manufacturing and expiring dates, NAFDAC NO, etc.
"You are aware of the news making the rounds about a family that perished in Sokoto state after consuming a casava meal, this calls for caution."
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the chairman of cosmetics dealers, Elder Ekpe, commended Governor Otu for taking out time to select the best hands to pilot the affairs of the agency.
While commending the DG for deeming it necessary to interact with and enlighten them on their right, he pledged that they will communicate all that was discussed at the meeting to their members.
Issues discussed at the meeting include how to reduce prices of goods and services, lecture on consumer rights and the effect of hazardous products on health, lecture on fake, expired and adulterated goods as well as challenges faced by dealers aand the need for government's intervention.
