Tuesday, 12 June 2012 00:00

Written by Charles Okonji

The Department of Weight and Measures, a unit of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has asked all state governments to introduce grains measurement in their markets. The Deputy Superintendent in Lagos Zonal Office of the department, Mrs Crescentia Erukpeme, said  that suitable measurement standards were needed for grains and other commodities.

She, however, stated that such standards must be widely acceptable in all local markets across the country.
He said: “We have asked all state governments to introduce measurement that is acceptable in their local markets. This is to check the incidence of under-measuring by traders. The Federal Government cannot sponsor all the various modules of measurement; so, we asked states to introduce the measurement suitable and acceptable in their localities.”
According to her, the introduction of the measurement standards was in conformity with the weights and measures laws.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, had equally announced the introduction of different measurement bowls for foodstuffs.
He said that various measurement bowls, currently being used, would cease to be accepted from June 6.
He said: “This follows the introduction of what the state government termed standard measurement bowls’ for the sale of grains in markets, stores and shops throughout the state.”
Oladejo disclosed that the new plastic bowls came in five different sizes and with the seal of the Lagos State government engraved on them.

These included the 250cl capacity, one litre capacity, five litre capacity, 10 litre capacity and 20 litre capacity.
He said that vendors selling rice, garri, beans, yam powder and corn would be given one month to adopt the new standards.
Oladejo advised consumers, who felt cheated by any vendor, to lodge complaints with Consumer Protection Committee under the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry.