Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has formalised a major agreement to deploy the Products Authentication and Tracking System (PATS), marking a decisive move to tackle the widespread challenge of counterfeit and substandard goods in Nigeria. This was contained in a statement signed by Obilor-Duru, Augustina Okechi, Head, Press and Public Relations, FMITI.
The agreement, signed in Abuja under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, brings together the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Conformity Management Solutions Limited as the Special Purpose Vehicle, with technology support from SICPA of Switzerland. The initiative is positioned as a presidential intervention aimed at strengthening product verification, traceability, and consumer protection across key sectors.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the initiative as a transformative step toward restoring confidence in Nigeria’s markets and protecting local industries from unfair competition.
He said, “This system represents a bold and necessary reform that will not only combat counterfeit goods but also protect consumers, enhance regulatory efficiency, and position Nigerian products competitively within the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem underscored the importance of the agreement in ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and reliable products, noting its far-reaching impact on public health and safety.
He stated, “This milestone strengthens our resolve to eliminate counterfeit products and guarantees that only safe, high-quality goods reach Nigerian consumers, especially the most vulnerable.”
Providing further insight into the project framework, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, confirmed that all necessary regulatory approvals, including that of the Federal Executive Council, have been secured, with implementation structured under a Build, Operate and Transfer model.
He noted, “The successful completion of all regulatory processes underscores the credibility of this project and sets the stage for transparent and efficient delivery.”
Also speaking, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke highlighted the system’s potential to strengthen enforcement and reduce the circulation of substandard goods in the market.
He said, “PATS will significantly enhance our regulatory capabilities by enabling real-time product verification and reducing the prevalence of substandard goods.”
Representing NAFDAC, Deputy Director Dinah Sam Dinah explained that the initiative will scale existing tracking mechanisms into a unified national system, empowering both regulators and consumers.
She stated, “This platform will allow authorities to trace counterfeit products to their origin while giving consumers the power to verify authenticity directly.”
On the part of the technology provider, SICPA Chief Business Officer Gianni Nigro reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through innovation and local capacity development.
He said, “We are committed to delivering world-class technology, fostering local investment, creating jobs, and establishing secure infrastructure that will support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.”
The Products Authentication and Tracking System will be implemented across critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, textiles, chemicals, and building materials, reinforcing efforts to safeguard consumers and ensure product integrity nationwide.
The Federal Government reiterated its determination to see the successful rollout of the initiative, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening market integrity, enhancing consumer protection, and driving sustainable economic growth for all Nigerians.
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