IMAN Intensifies War Against Fake Products After Anambra Stakeholders Seminar.
Importers Association of Nigeria partners state government to secure trade corridors and position Anambra for AfCFTA gains.
AWKA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | The Importers Association of Nigeria https://www.iman.ng has vowed to intensify its war against fake products in Anambra State, declaring that the era of the state serving as a dumping ground for adulterated and substandard goods is over.
The firm commitment came at the close of a two-day statewide stakeholders’ sensitization seminar held at Hollywood Events Centre in Awka from 16 to 17 September. Organised by the Anambra chapter of IMAN in collaboration with the Anambra State Government, the event carried the theme “Securing Trade Corridors and Unlocking Blue Economy Opportunities.”
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Anambra State has long ranked among Nigeria’s most vibrant commercial centres, with Onitsha’s sprawling markets drawing traders from across West Africa. Yet the same openness that fuels its economy has left it vulnerable to the influx of fake and substandard goods that endanger consumers and undermine legitimate businesses.
The rise of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the blue economy have sharpened the urgency for tighter standards, safer logistics, and stronger regulatory cooperation. Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has repeatedly framed Anambra as a potential “Dubai of Africa,” an ambition that hinges on secure supply chains and credible product quality.
Against this backdrop, IMAN’s Anambra chapter convened regulators, traditional rulers, academics, market leaders and security agencies to translate policy into practical action.
Key Developments
State Director General of IMAN, Obinna Moluokwu, told participants that the association is now working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation to ensure only genuine goods enter the state. He described the seminar as a deliberate step toward safe commerce, AfCFTA competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
Moluokwu praised Governor Soludo’s security reforms, noting that residents can once again “sleep with their two eyes closed,” a development that has restored confidence among traders and investors.
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Kingsley Ibe affirmed that the ministry is aligning Nigeria’s trade policy with international standards while promoting local products for global markets. He urged IMAN not to relent in its campaign.
Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Wealth Creation, Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, who stood in for the governor, said the seminar’s theme directly supports the state’s development agenda. He highlighted the interconnected nature of trade facilitation, secure supply chains, inland waterways, product standards and AfCFTA market access as pillars of a modern competitive economy.
National Secretary General of IMAN, Aliyu Ahmed Yar’adua, thanked the governor, regulators, security agencies, traditional institutions, the academia and captains of industry for their support. He stressed that the association’s goal is to convert the seminar’s outcomes into lasting collaboration and measurable economic results.
Market leaders also weighed in. Chief Humphrey Anuna, President General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, and Chief Jude Nwankwo, President General of Ogidi Building Materials International Market, welcomed the initiative but called for a follow-up edition in Onitsha, where the bulk of major importers operate, to broaden its reach and impact.
The programme featured presentations by Professor Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University; Lilian Njideka of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Professor C.C. Ibe of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; and Dr Obiora Madu, among others. The high point was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities and resource persons.
Reactions from Stakeholders
“The days when Anambra was used as a dumping ground for adulterated products are over,” Moluokwu declared. “We are synergising with the state government to guarantee that only genuine goods are imported into our markets.”
Ibe, speaking for the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said: “The ministry is implementing Nigeria’s trade policy in line with international standards. We commend IMAN for this timely initiative and urge the association to sustain the momentum.”
Commissioner Ebonwu added: “Trade facilitation, secure supply chains, efficient logistics and product standards are not isolated goals. They form the foundation of the competitive economy Governor Soludo is building.”
Yar’adua noted: “IMAN remains committed to ensuring that the outcomes of this seminar transcend the event hall and translate into sustained collaboration and measurable economic development.”
Implications
The renewed war against fake products carries significant economic and social weight. For consumers, it promises safer goods and reduced health risks. For legitimate importers and manufacturers, it levels the playing field and protects brand integrity. For Anambra’s broader economy, stronger standards and secure corridors enhance competitiveness under AfCFTA and support the state’s blue-economy ambitions through improved inland waterways and logistics.
Success in this campaign could also strengthen investor confidence, reinforce Soludo’s transformation agenda, and position Anambra as a model for other commercial states grappling with the same challenges.
What Happens Next
IMAN and the state government are expected to deepen operational collaboration, including tighter monitoring of entry points and joint enforcement actions. Market leaders’ call for a dedicated Onitsha edition is likely to receive serious consideration, given the concentration of importers there.
Further engagements with the Nigerian Shippers Council, security agencies and academic institutions are anticipated as the association seeks to institutionalise the seminar’s recommendations. Continuous public sensitisation and measurable enforcement will determine whether the current momentum yields lasting results.
Conclusion
By placing the war against fake products at the centre of its agenda and aligning it with broader trade and blue-economy goals, IMAN has signalled a more coordinated and determined phase in the fight for standards. The partnership with the Anambra State Government and the involvement of key national and local stakeholders offer a credible platform for progress. How effectively these commitments are translated into daily enforcement will shape both consumer safety and Anambra’s standing as a competitive commercial hub in the years ahead. The iNews Times will continue to track developments closely as the campaign unfolds.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation
