The Federal Government says it inspected and verified more than 546,000 weighing and measuring instruments across Nigeria in 2025, with some equipment failing to meet prescribed standards.
Dr Salim Mohammed, Director of the Weights and Measures Department at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, disclosed the figures during an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
He said the department carried out inspections across different sectors of the economy, including oil and gas and non-oil industries.
According to Mohammed, 546,136 pieces of equipment were examined. He reported that 546,006 were found compliant and certified for use in commercial transactions, while 130 failed to meet the required standards and received Notices of Rejection.
The department directed owners of rejected equipment to correct the identified deficiencies through recalibration within a specified period.
Mohammed explained that inspectors conduct follow-up visits after corrective measures have been completed. Equipment that subsequently meets the required standards is issued a Certificate of Verification, authorising its use in trade transactions.
However, the percentages provided alongside the figures do not correspond mathematically with the reported equipment totals.
Government Plans Higher Fines for Weights and Measures Offences
The department is reviewing existing regulations to introduce increased fines and penalties for businesses and individuals who violate weights and measures requirements.
Mohammed said the current legislation dates back to Nigeria’s independence and contains penalties that are no longer sufficient to discourage dishonest commercial practices.
He said the proposed changes would establish updated fees and sanctions aimed at improving compliance and strengthening enforcement.
The director added that the department could not immediately provide the total number of companies sanctioned since its establishment.
Department Seeks Greater Independence to Expand Enforcement
The Weights and Measures Department is also seeking semi-independent agency status to improve its regulatory operations and consumer protection activities across the country.
Mohammed said the proposal followed recommendations from development partners, the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
He explained that granting the department agency status, or merging it with an existing sister agency, could reduce administrative delays and improve service delivery.
The proposed restructuring is expected to help expand its operations from small businesses at the grassroots level to companies involved in export activities.
The department currently works with other regulatory bodies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
Inspections Target Fuel Stations and Commercial Transactions
Mohammed said the department verifies measuring equipment used in petroleum retail outlets, water supply services and other commercial transactions.
He explained that inaccurate instruments could result in customers receiving less than the quantities they have paid for, while also affecting businesses and commercial transactions.
He cited an inspection at a rice outlet where officials discovered that bags labelled as weighing 50 kilogrammes contained less than the stated quantity.
The director urged consumers to look for verification stickers on measuring equipment before making purchases, particularly on petrol dispensing pumps.
He said the stickers indicate that the equipment has been inspected and certified by the department for commercial use.
Shortage of Inspectors and Vehicles Limits Nationwide Monitoring
The department faces challenges involving inadequate funding, insufficient personnel and a shortage of operational vehicles, according to Mohammed.
Although it has offices across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, he said the available workforce was insufficient to monitor businesses effectively throughout the country.
He estimated that about 70 per cent of the department’s activities involve field operations, making adequate funding and transportation essential for inspections and enforcement.
Mohammed said the department had requested approval to recruit and train additional personnel to improve its nationwide coverage.
Digitalisation Programme Targets Up to 100 Per Cent Automation
The department has automated approximately 65 per cent of its operations and plans to increase the figure to between 90 and 100 per cent.
Mohammed said the digitalisation programme would allow consumers to submit complaints through a mobile application.
Complaints submitted through the platform would be received at the department’s headquarters in Abuja, which would then direct the relevant state offices to respond.
He said automation would also improve inspection reports, record management and payment processes, making regulatory services more accessible.
Digitalisation and Agency Status Identified as 2027 Priorities
Mohammed identified completing the digitalisation programme and securing semi-independent agency status as two major priorities for the department in 2027.
The initiatives are intended to improve regulatory enforcement, expand inspection coverage and strengthen consumer protection in commercial transactions across Nigeria.
By Uchechi Afonne | Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma.
