IMAN Declares War on Fake Products in Anambra, Targets Safer Trade and Economic Growth

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Anambra State Branch, has declared an intensified campaign against counterfeit and substandard products, warning that the state will no longer serve as a dumping ground for adulterated goods.

The association made its position known at the conclusion of a two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitisation seminar held at Hollywood Events Centre, Awka, under the theme: “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities.”

Speaking at the event, IMAN Anambra State Director-General, Dr. Obinna Moluokwu, said the association was strengthening its collaboration with the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, to promote the importation and distribution of genuine products.

Moluokwu declared that the association would sustain its efforts to combat fake goods and support government oversight of imported products across the state.

“We have come to fight fake and substandard products found everywhere within the state, and we will not relent in assisting the state government in supervising goods imported into Anambra,” he said.

He explained that the seminar was designed to position Anambra for safer commerce, stronger participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improved competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

According to him, IMAN’s partnership with the state government is intended to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s development agenda, including his ambition of transforming Anambra into the “Dubai of Africa.”

Moluokwu also commended the administration’s security efforts, stating that improvements in security would help create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors.

He said the seminar provided a platform for engagement between Anambra and national institutions, organised private-sector operators and professional stakeholders on practical strategies for strengthening the state’s commercial, industrial, logistics and investment potential.

Oyetola’s Ministry Backs IMAN’s Trade Initiative

Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the seminar, Kingsley Ibe expressed support for IMAN’s initiative and encouraged the association to sustain its efforts.

Ibe said the ministry was implementing policies aligned with international standards to improve the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.

“We are happy with IMAN and encourage you not to relent,” he said, while urging continued collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s trading environment.

Anambra Government Highlights Trade and Logistics Opportunities

The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, welcomed the partnership between the state government and IMAN.

Ebonwu described the seminar’s theme as relevant to Anambra’s economic development objectives, stressing the connections between trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics, inland waterways, product standards and AfCFTA market access.

“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,” the commissioner stated.

He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to enhance trade infrastructure and strengthen the state’s position within regional and international markets.

IMAN Promises Sustainable Stakeholder Engagement

The association’s National Secretary-General, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, expressed appreciation to Governor Soludo, government officials, regulatory agencies, security organisations, traditional rulers, academics, industry leaders, resource persons, sponsors, partners and the media for supporting the seminar.

Yar’adua said the event was intended to contribute to a stronger trading environment and unlock the economic potential of Anambra State and the wider Southeast.

“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.

He also acknowledged the contributions of institutional representatives and resource persons toward improving Nigeria’s trade environment.

Traders Call for Expanded Sensitisation Programme in Onitsha

The President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Humphrey Anuna, expressed satisfaction with the seminar, stating that it could contribute to curbing the circulation of substandard products in the state.

Anuna commended Governor Soludo for recognising the importance of the initiative and directing the Commissioner for Commerce to collaborate with IMAN in organising the event.

Similarly, the President-General of Ogidi Building Materials International Market, Jude Nwankwo, called for the extension of the sensitisation programme to Onitsha, which he described as a major commercial centre.

Nwankwo observed that some of the state’s principal importers operate within the Onitsha axis and may find it difficult to leave their businesses to attend events in Awka.

“What I heard at the seminar was fantastic. This seminar should be repeated within the Onitsha axis,” Nwankwo said.

He added that he had discussed the proposal with IMAN’s National Patron, Ozo Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor, and expressed the view that holding a similar programme in Onitsha would enable more major importers to participate.

Experts Examine Trade, Industry and Blue Economy Development

The two-day seminar featured contributions from experts and representatives of regulatory, academic and industry institutions.

Among the resource persons were IMAN National Secretary-General, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua; Ifeanyichukwu Jude Ngama; Professor Kate Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University; Lilian Njideka, Director, Southeast, and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; a representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria; Professor C. C. Ibe of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; and Dr. Obiora Madu, Director-General of the African Centre for Supply Chain and lead seminar lecturer.

The occasion was chaired by DCG Dera Nnadi, while Professor Samuel Babatunde served as moderator. Eugene Nweke participated as the seminar’s organisation consultant.

Other dignitaries in attendance included former Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Professor Ernest Ezeajughi; Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Michael Obiekwe; IMAN National Patron and seminar sponsor, Ozo Dr. Augustine Azubuike Ekweozor; and the Southeast IMAN Patron, Igwe Peter Uyanwa Ezedike of Ukwuru, among others.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and resource persons in recognition of their contributions to the seminar.

With its renewed emphasis on product quality, trade facilitation and stakeholder collaboration, IMAN’s Anambra branch is seeking to strengthen the state’s commercial environment while supporting efforts to improve the safety and competitiveness of imported goods.

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