The Ogun state commissioner of commerce and industry, Chief Bimbo Ashiru has appealed to market women in the state to give the new (proposed) measurement system for trading in commodities a trial in line with Federal Government policy.
Ashiru made the appeal at a meeting with market leaders and state representatives from Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba to clear the air on controversies surrounding introduction and enforcement of the new measurement bowl, noting that government will never force any market seller against their wish but will always brainstorm to agree on certain policies.
According to Ashiru, the adoption of the new measurement standard should be voluntarily and no one should use security men to harass anyone to buy while stating the benefits of the new measurement bowl which includes uniformity and protection of consumers’ rights.
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Fausat Alatise, a market leader and Iyalaje of Akile Ijebu appealed to market women to give the initiative a trial after which the government will get necessary feedback from them if it will be implemented fully.
In an interview with Olufunsho Ayoola Idowu, manufacturer of the new measurement bowl in Ogun state, he said that the plastic is in line with the federal ministry of trade and investment sample recommendation which was used to produce the measurement bowl.
Idowu noted that the sample is of one and five litres, against the two litres presently used by market women, and which has generated issues over adoption. He as well appealed to the market leaders to give its adoption a trial.
It will be recalled that the national agriculture economic summit which was held recently in Ogun state, had as one of its highlights, the importance of uniformity in measurement standards across markets in the country.
TOSIN ADESILE, guest writer
