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  • SON seals warehouse for unwholesome products in Lagos

    SON seals warehouse for unwholesome products in Lagos

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has sealed a warehouse and shops stocked with unfortified pasta, flour and sugar in different areas in Lagos.

    It also raided major markets in the state as part of its ongoing efforts to stem the tide of substandard products in the country.

    SON’s Director-General, Osita Aboloma, said the warehouse and shops contained products that were unwholesome and therefore, risky for human consumption.

    He said the products were brought into the country with no import documentation and registration numbers, adding that they could lead to dangerous health hazards for unsuspecting consumers, who buy them.

    Aboloma said the raid followed intelligence reports from sister security agencies and the cooperation of patriotic Nigerians, adding that the enforcement would continue as a way of ensuring that only goods that meet the minimum requirements of the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) or other approved standards are sold in the country.

    “The seized products do not meet our standard specifications, a critical part of which is the regulation on fortification with Vitamin A. There were no documentations to show how they got into the country and evidence of being registered under our electronic product registration scheme. They are not supposed to be on our shelves,” Aboloma said.

    He said the sale of unfortified pasta, flour and sugar in the country is particularly worrisome, considering that there is a government policy on their fortification with Vitamin A as a way of preserving the sight of Nigerians. “Flour, pasta, vegetable oil and sugar are foods that Nigerians consume regularly and if they are not fortified with the necessary vitamins as provided in the relevant standards, the Nigerian consumers would be prone to such illnesses as blindness and other sight problems,”he said.

    Aboloma, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Market Surveillance, Suleiman Issa, added that the campaign to eradicate substandard imported sugar, flour and flour products in the country would continue, assuring Nigerians that wherever these products are found, they would be removed.

    “These products have not been registered with SON for traceability and quality verification. I will advise Nigerians to look out for the registration numbers of SON and National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on imported food products before purchase.

    “Any uncertified, unregistered and smuggled product is very risky and most likely unwholesome for consumption. Any pack of these imported non-conforming flour-based products found in our markets would be removed and the owners held accountable until they take us to the source,” he said.

    Mr. Aboloma said SON’s effort to stamp out substandard products in the country required the collective efforts of Nigerians, urging market women not to patronise uncertified and unregistered brands. He advised importers and vendors to desist from selling flour-based products that can endanger people’s health.

    “This is just the beginning. We will continue the exercise, and that is why we are urging Nigerians to be wary of unfit imported products. We are aware that some of these products are smuggled in the dead of the night, using unofficial routes. We will continue to checkmate those behind their importation,”he said.

    According to him, SON would intensify its efforts at sensitising the Nigerian populace on the implication of patronage and consumption of uncertified and unregistered imported products, which have negative implications for local industries in addition to constituting health and economic risks.

    He said most of such products dumped in Nigeria cannot be sold in their countries of origin, but are shipped to Africa and smuggled in through unauthorised routes.

    The state co-ordinator, Lagos Office III, SON, Mrs. Ngozi Ekwueme, warned that the consumption of the products that lack Vitamin A fortification puts the average Nigerian, who patronises them the most, at a risk of blindness.

    Globus Supermarket Manager,  whose warehouse was sealed, said he did not know the implications of consuming the products.

    He urged the Federal Government to do more enlightenment programmes to educate vendors and consumers.

  • ‘How market products, services in austere times’

    ‘How market products, services in austere times’

    Nigeria’s inflation is currently 16.01 per cent. We are out of recession, according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    However, marketing budgets are yielding low returns as Nigerians are still struggling with economic hardships. At this time, how best can products or services be marketed?

    During austerity, consumers think more of utility than luxury; more of functionality than design; more of must-haves than good-to-haves; and more of reusables than consumables.

    Therefore, we have to go to the market via unconventional routes: flip the Pareto Principle, narrow your targeting, focus on repeated sales, and make your customers brand ambassadors.

    In flipping the Pareto Principle, create new product mix that can make 80 per cent of your customers generate more income for you.

    A product mix that can easily initiate upselling and cross selling is a good strategy in motivating customers to spend more. Bundle your products with brands that are strategic to your route-to-market, the same way Mr. Biggs outlets appears at every Mobil gas station.

    During this period, you will have to narrow your targeting to the core of the prospects that need your services/products. For example, everybody may needs fumigation to protect against Lassa fever, but families with children will respond faster to that need because the stake is high. There is always the core of the market that would be readily receptive and responsive to marketing. If that core is identified and engaged, it yields better results.

    Rather than focusing on increasing the number of customers, focus on generating repeated sales. Frequency of patronage can make up for loss of customers and it is cheaper to manage.

    Don’t spend unnecessarily on billboards, TV Commercials and radio jingles, if the demography and psychographics of your targeted customers does not fit into above-the-line advertising.

    Put events together to bring your prospects to your door; use ambient ads to be in their face. Explore social media ads, facebook’s algorithm tracks prospects and help convert them to customers, faster than word of mouth. Remember, if it isn’t digital, it isn’t strategic.

  • Eterna Oil secures licence for Castrol products

    Eterna Oil secures licence for Castrol products

    Eterna Plc, an indigenous oil firm, has been licensed to manufacture and distribute Castrol products in Nigeria, its Managing Director, Mahmud Tukur, has said.

    Tukur spoke at the launch of Castrol brand of products in Lagos. He said with the licence to manufacture and distribute Castrol products, Eterna Plc was duty bound to protect the intellectual property rights.

    “If you attempt to purchase or acquire Castrol products from any other source, you are taking a huge risk,” he added.

    Some of Castrol products launched into the market include, Castrol Edge – fully synthetic oil with fluid strength technology. Castrol Magnatec – semi-synthetic oil offering instant protection from the start, and Castrol GTX Essential, which is a trusted protection for your engine.

    Tukur said over the next few months, the company would roll out sales points nationwide, appoint distributors, partner independent retailers and construct its own mega stations in key cities including Abuja and Calabar. He noted that in expanding the sales points and filling stations, the management was looking at building new structures, mergers and acquisition.

    The Eterna boss said: “The Company’s journey began as far back as 1991 through the vision of the founder, Otunba Tunji Lawal Solarin, when Eterna started importing and distributing Castrol lubricants in Nigeria. A robust marketing structure was set up and with increased market sales, Eterna began to manufacture lubricants locally through a third-party facility on an interim basis.

    “The aim was always for the company to own its blending facility and this dream became a reality when Eterna secured a $940,000 loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 1995 to construct what was to eventually become one of the best and most modern lubricant manufacturing plants in Africa. Castrol designed the plant and provided the required technical support during construction ensuring that the plant met global standards.

    “Twenty years later, Eterna’s 15,000MT capacity state-of-the-art lubricant manufacturing plant, which is fully owned through its subsidiary Eterna Industries Limited, is one of the only three Castrol accredited blending plants in Africa. The plant is located in Sagamu, Ogun State on a sprawling five hectares of prime industrial real estate.

    “The Plant is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory, which supports the blending activities as well as use oil analysis services for customers. This is a vital technical support, which we provide to our customers to enable them optimise equipment uptime and avoid failures where possible, through early detection and diagnosis.

    “The lab frequently participates in ILCP (Inter Laboratory Correlation Programmes) exercises where it is provided with random samples to test and the results are benchmarked against many laboratories scattered all over the globe. I am pleased to report that Eterna’s laboratory has continued to retain its global rating and is currently pursuing its ISO 17025 certification.

    “The overall activities of the blending plant are supervised by Castrol’s global manufacturing and technology teams, ensuring that our members of staff are exposed to the latest manufacturing and testing methods, resulting in the highest quality manufactured lubricants.

    “I am proud to announce that the latest addition to the Castrol GTX family “Castrol GTX Essential”, was produced for the first time in the world at our plant in Sagamu this August. This is a clear demonstration of the confidence reposed in our manufacturing capabilities by Castrol. Castrol GTX Essential was developed in response to specific market requirements in Nigeria/Africa (and other regions with similar climatic conditions) and is an example of how globally developed technology is brought to bear in ways that address local conditions, meet engine manufacturers’ specifications whilst remaining affordable and cost-effective.”

    He said between 2009 and 2015 post the acquisition of Castrol by BP, Eterna was majorly active in the Marine and Energy sectors, providing premium lubricants to tanker vessels, supply vessels, port operators, FPSOs and drilling rigs.In 2015, we commenced further discussions with Castrol to extend our licencing rights to cover the Automotive and Industrial Sectors, culminating in the signing of a sole distributorship agreement in February 2017 for the automotive and industrial range of lubricants for the Nigerian market.

    “Eterna Plc is the first fully indigenous oil marketing company to be listed on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE),” he added.

  • SON to certify products within 20 days

    SON to certify products within 20 days

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said it will support the Federal Government’s Executive Order on ease of doing business through the reduction of timelines for certifying products.

    SON Director-General Mr. Osita Aboloma said as a deliberate strategy to enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria, the agency has put in place measures to ensure that test results from its laboratories are released to clients within 20 days of obtaining samples.

    Aboloma, who made this known at a sensitisation workshop on the SON Act 2015 and the ease of doing business, said the agency has also reduced the number of days required to obtain Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program Certificates to the barest minimum.

    He said the availability of laboratories and other conformity assessment infrastructure ensures that products produced in the country meet specified standards, thereby eliminating additional costs that would be incurred if they tested outside the country.

    “As a deliberate strategy to enhance the ease of doing business to all stakeholders, SON has put in place measures that would ensure that tests results from its laboratories are released to our clients within 20 days of obtaining samples depending on the product.

    “In addition, the number of days required to obtain both SONCAP and MANCAP certificates would be reduced to the barest minimum when the process for obtaining both certificates is fully automated,” Aboloma said.

  • Reps to meet NAFDAC on herbal products registration

    Reps to meet NAFDAC on herbal products registration

    The House Committee on Health has assured traditional medicine practitioners across the country that it will address the problems with  local medicines registration.

    The Committee members made the promise during their oversight function visit to the Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) in Lagos.

    The committee said it would meet with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials to  address the problem.

    The  House Committee on Health Chairman, Hon Beni Lar, said though it was not part of its work of the House to oversee NAFDAC,   based on the complaints by many agencies and practitioners of traditional medicine, who briefed the  members, the Committee would do assist.

    Mrs Lar said: “We all know that NAFDAC is set up and regulated by an Act and it has a Board, likewise a Committee in the House that oversees its activities. We, as Honourable members, will like to engage our colleagues that oversee NAFDAC to see how we can have a roundtable discussion to iron out some of these issues on registration of traditional medicines across the country.

    “We will want to aggregate ideas, observations and solutions across board to remove the bottle necks so that Nigerian indigenous traditional medicinal products can be easily registered by NAFDAC at affordable cost and for easy marketing, even to the point of exporting to improve on FOREX. All should know that we are legislature and not executive arm of government.”

    Mrs Lar continued: “We will beam the searchlight on NAFDAC to see what it is doing wrong in traditional medicine registration to the point of its being reputed for being slow and painstakingly difficult which lead to the demoralising the innovation of producers of indigenous traditional herbal medicines.

    “It is in the pipeline of this committee to invite all the agencies under the Ministry of Science and Technology to a meeting with NAFDAC representatives to find a solution. We will appreciate if all these agencies under Ministry of Science and Technology put in writing all their observations and hindrances to registration of their products with NAFDAC and we will be able to engage the right people on it, so we do not have these issues again.’’

    She said since NNMDA was established in 1997 to enable the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology  to promote the natural medicine, it was gladdening that it had fulfilled some of the roles.

    “You’ve produced some of the best products as answers to identified communicable diseases, and some of these products are awaiting NAFDAC registration, we can’t wait to see that as a recorded success because part of the reasons for this agency’s existence is promotion of natural medicine- traditional/indigenous healthcare systems, medications and non-medications healing arts, science and technology and assist facilitate their integration into the national healthcare delivery system, as well as contribute to the nation’s wealth and job creation, social-economic growth and development effort,” she said.

    Also, she said money generated from the sales of those products would be ploughed into NNMDA.

    On the entourage of the committee are Hon Kehinde Agboola, Hon Ibrahim A. Isiaka, Hon Azodo Eucharia; Clerk, Michael Egwu and his assistant, Chukwuemeka Ejimonye and Nanre Fashep.

    NNMDA Director-General, Samuel Etatuvie, said funding and understaffing, especially of experts and researchers were the major challenges facing the agency.

    Etatuvie said: “We have done so much with little resources, including installing driers, production machines and refurbishing of the buildings where we work. We need more human resources to be on the field because our work involves research. We have submitted the list of our requirements and employment recommendations to the parent body – Ministry of Science and Technology and awaiting further directives.

    “The agency can do more with adequate funding. There are capital projects embarked on and part of them is NAFDAC registration. We are already at the final stages. Once we get the Registration Numbers that will make them to be commercially viable and we will roll them into the market.’’

    Etatuvie said his agency had documented a lot of compendia on medicinal plants  with support from Raw material Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

    “We do not want indigenous herbal healing prowess of our forefathers to go into extinction. We know generations yet unborn will tap into these compendia and make this country proud. We have published research works and findings and we are not resting on our oars. We have herbarium and data base farm and also digital library. We have a prototype solar dryer designed, constructed and installed at Jesse farm in Delta State,” Etatuvie said.

    He said to fulfill the vision of  the institute, its “funding should be improved on; likewise to get more capable hands for the agency’’.

    He identified some of the research products of the agency awaiting NAFDAC nod to include Naturedmed tonic tea based on the traditional knowledge on Nigerian Hibiscus sabdariffa as a relaxant and blood pressure reducer; improved samples of mosquito repellant; Naturemed herbal arthritis designed as topical application to assist manages arthritis; and Naturedmed medicated soap, a bath soap to assist manage topical ailments, such as scabies, fungal infections and opportunistic skin infections of HIV.

    “We are proud to be part of the solution to the 85 percent of people in Sub-Sahara Africa who depend on traditional medicine not only for healthcare delivery but also for – psychological, socio-economic and cultural, and community issues. For most of these people, traditional medicine is the only source of health care delivery known and available, accessible and affordable.

    “For all the revolutionary and dramatic improvements in human health care in the 21st Century, life in much of Africa begins and is sustained with the support of traditional medicine. In many parts of Africa, the number of traditional health practitioners far outnumber that of allopathic doctors – medical doctors is 1: 20,000 and traditional practitioners is 1: 200, according to the National Demographic and health Survey Report,” Etatuvie said.

    The DG conducted the visiting Committee round the agency’s premises, showing them some  critical equipment, such as rotary evaporator, stainless blender, rotary extractor, UV-Visible photospectrometre, PH metre, heater with Strirrer, and Atomic absorption Spectrophotometre.

    There was also digital herb scanner with printer, which Etatuvie explained, were tools for  medicinal plant identification and taxonomy for teaching, research, documentation, conservation, cultivation, and entrepreneurship development in the promotion of natural medicine and products.

  • UNILAG medical students get hand-washing products

    Cleanmax Industries has donated  hand-washing liquid products to the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter.

    It was during the sixth Annual Healthweek of the association.

     Cleanmax Industries Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Inibokun Okafor, said  said the donation was the commitment of the firm to enlighten people to inculcate good hygiene practices, especially hand washing to prevent infections. the gesture was to encourage hand washing culture among the students to avoid the spread of diseases given their peculiar professional and training environment.

    Mrs. Okafor said: “The health and well-being of every Nigerian is of tremendous importance to the future of the country and simple task of frequent hand-washing with Cleanmax Sparkle hand-washing liquid will help to stem the tide of the spread of diseases that could be easily be contacted through physical contact,”

    She said firm is a responsive and recognises the role of medical laboratory professionals in caring for sick and injured persons.

    Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria National President, Alhaji Toyosi Raheem, bemoaned activities of quacks in the professional practice.

    Chairman, College of Medicine of University of Lagos chapter of Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association, Miss. Fehintola Odutuyo, who received the items, praised Cleanmax Industries for the  gesture.

  • Hubmart assures of fresh quality products,

    Leading indigenous retail giant Hubmarts stores Limited,     opened the doors of its ultra modern Ikeja GRA Shopping mall to the public, last Friday.

    The event, which witnessed a large turnout of brands who came to showcase their wares, also saw a huge number of customers throng into the mall to experience firsthand, the many offerings the new Hubmart store has to offer.

    Most customers also admitted that they were also there to take advantage of the exciting opening day specials on offer at the store.

    Chairman of Hubmart Stores Limited Dr Chris Ogbeche, in his opening address, stated that the vision of Hubmart stores is to be the clear leader in the retail industry.

    In his words, “we have a population of over 180 million people who want the good things of life and we are here to make that possible.’

    He further said that Hubmart’s penchant for always delivering fresh products to its customers is a mark of distinction that sets it apart from other retail stores. “We are known for fresh products. I think we are the leader in fresh products ranging from vegetables, fruits, seafood, and dairy food all at attractive prices. We have been able to maintain this standard because over 50 percent of our business is not reliant on foreign exchange. The other 40  percent is dependent on Nigerian businesses that produce here and only the last five to 10 percent depends on imports,” he said.

    He informed that Hubmart is committed to empowering Nigerians, creating employment and adding value to the lives of its customers through fresh products and quality service. Hubmart’s expansion plan, he revealed, is guaranteed to ensure that the footprint of Hubmart will be seen in every state in Nigeria.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Hubmart Stores Limited, Murat Bektaslar, described the store as a customer’s delight, stating that the store will serve as a one-stop shop for all customer grocery, cleaning, fresh and household needs.

    “We have created an environment where customers can find everything they want under one roof get the best quality of ultra-fresh produce, and have a delightful, fulfilling and exciting shopping trip.”

    Even the kids are not left out as very innovative kiddy- focused shopping carts and baby trucks have been deployed to delight the kids as well.

  • NAFDAC, others enlighten on herbal products

    NAFDAC, others enlighten on herbal products

    As early as 8am, 1 Adekunle Fajuyi Road, G.R.A, Ikeja  turned to a beehive of activities. Members of Herbal Medicine Advertisers Association of Nigeria (HMAAN) gathered to update themselves on how to improve on the promotion of indigenous herbal medicines.

    At the forum  were representatives of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Nigeria Broadcasting organisation (NBC), Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, (AAAN), and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The goal was to ensure that practitioners act within the limit of the law, while advancing herbal traditional medicine products.

    HMAAN Secretary Odukoya Sarafa said the association is in place to let the public know that the products being advertised by them are very reliable which can be taken by people, and NAFDAC is in support.

    Odukoya said herbal medicine is a big industry especially in Europe and Asia and wondered why it is not so in Nigeria despite, “having skillful practitioners who provide affordable health care to our fellow citizens and foreigners. But we all know that without publicising or advertising our products and services it is like someone blinking in the dark.”

    He said: “We don’t want to be in the dark blinking, that is why we are here. Neither do we want to deprive innocent people of alternative and affordable health care services. The team policing accurate standardisation of herbal production and adverting without deceit are with us. Those formulating laws and regulating our activities to meet with international standards will enlighten us to get to that standard stage. With these resourceful participants, I am sure intimidating heights will be surmounted today.”

    Director, Nigeria Broadcasting Code (NBC), Lagos Zone Matthew Okodua advised the herbal practitioners on what to advertise and what not to advertise.  He said if they want their products to go on air,  they must make sure their products are well packaged, adequately labeled, registered with NAFDAC.

    “It does not stop at that, you must obtain NAFDAC’s permit from their office,” he said.

    Okodua said NAFDAC is not out to victimise or witch hunt because similar guidelines given to practitioners by NAFDAC are extended to orthodox medical practitioners.

    “So, as a practitioner, if you have any issue with NAFDAC go to its office. The agency runs an open door policy and is open for you to consult and the officials will be glad to listen to you.”

    Assistant Director, Advertisement Control, Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate NAFDAC, Olugbenga Aina said herbal business has the capacity to generate a large revenue, including FOREX for the country and there are some hidden treasure that Nigeria has but yet untapped into, “and this is one that we can diversified into but we have to do it properly.

    “The agency I work for – NAFDAC is very friendly. Processing of Listing for product and for advertisement is easy, and open to all. You can easily get your product registered if you follow the laid out procedure because NAFDAC recognises that herbal medicines and related products are finished medicinal products containing plant and/or their presentation presented with therapeutic or prophylactic claim and include all preparations containing a plant material in part or wholly.

    “For you to advertise your product, there are two basic things you need to get: One, your product must be registered by NAFDAC and after that, you need permit to advertise your product. The permit is what you will take to the advertising house. That will ensure your product can be advertised and be introduced to the general public. The success of these products can follow.”

    Aina said there is sanction for those who refuse to get their products registered and obtain  permit.

    “There is an Advertisement Control Division is a Division in the Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate. The Division regulates and controls advertisements via: Issuance of advertisement permits. Monitoring of advertisement in the media to:  One is to ensure compliance with approved advertisement materials such as: artworks, storyboards and scripts, and mete appropriate sanctions where there are deviations from approved advertisement materials. Two, to capture and issue out appropriate sanctions for all unauthorised advertisement of regulated products Once they advertised their product without getting it registered there is a internal arrangement on how to clamp down on that product,” said Aina.

    He went on: “And if you succeed in getting those two things –registration and permit, please do not exaggerate the potency of efficacy of such product. We are dissuading you from telling the public that your single product can cure everything (gbogbonise). NAFDAC is here to monitor the products. NAFDAC here is to protect the public from you giving them what it is not safe. It will safeguard the nation, and that is paramount to the agency. We at NAFDAC are making sure you are not giving public wrong herbal products. We frown at you claiming superiority over the other. Avoid words such as- my product is magic or miracle, this is not accepted by NAFDAC at all,” said Aina.

    He assured the herbal practitioners that NAFDAC is there to work with them to make their herbal business grow.

    “Know that NAFDAC recognises the power of advertisement that it has the capacity to influence public perception and understanding of a company and/or its products. Influences rate of distribution, purchase and consumption of a product. Advertisements of products and other regulated products influence health related issues which can either complement or jeopardise national health policy goals. Journal adverts had been found to successfully lead to increase in sales and prescribing by physicians.”

    He said in this light, NAFDAC’s primary objective to protect and promote public health through the performance of statutory regulatory and control functions and activities on regulated products ensure that good quality and effective Herbal medicines and other regulated products get to the market quickly as well as possible while keeping unproven and dangerous drugs off . It ensures Advertising is true and not misleading or containing any exaggerated claims, either directly or indirectly or implied. All advertising must be in line with summary of products characteristics and marketing authorisation.

    He said: “No person shall advertise any herbal medicine and related product unless it has been registered and the advertisement given pre-clearance and approval by NAFDAC. No advertisement for any herbal. Vague, unsubstantiated statements or suggestions of superiority over other competing herbal medicines or related products; Any false impression that the advertised herbal medicine or related product is for universal cure or should be regarded as a more effective and safer alternative to other herbal medicine or related  products in the same category. No herbal medicine or related product advertisement shall contain such words as ‘magic’, ‘miracle’, or an exotic description such as ‘upper potency’ or such words as to induce daily or continuous use of the product.

    “No advertisement for herbal medicines or related product shall state or imply in absolute terms or by quotation out of context that any herbal medicine or related product is “safe” or has “guaranteed efficacy. Any statement claiming or implying a superlative function such as “most effective”, “least toxic”, “best tolerated” or other special status “herbal medicine” or “related product of choice” etc shall not be used. The approval of any advert shall be valid for a period of one year beginning from the date of approval. Promotional advertisements are not allowed for Drug Products, Herbal Medicine and related Products. Advertisement of a Herbal Medicine or related products as a treatment, prevention or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state as specified in the schedule of the regulation is not allowed,” said Aina.

    Aina then put them the nitty-gritty required for obtaining the product registration for advertisement permit: “The agency’s guidelines for advertisement of regulated products ensure that only registered products are advertised. Approved Adverts are valid for one year. Consumer promotions are valid for maximum of 15 weeks. Consumer promotion is not allowed for Herbal and Drug Products. Prescription Only Medicines (POM’s) shall be advertised only in medical/scientific journals. Documentation requirements must be met.

    He said all payments should be made into TSA as (Internally Generated Revenue) IGR accruing to NAFDAC. Application form per product is N250.

    “Documentation required are simple- Application letter to Ag. DG (for Administrative Approval) or DD/AC (R&R) (for Normal Approval). Completion of Application Form- Evidence of Product Registration. Letter of Introduction of Advert Agent from the Applicant where applicable. Advertisement materials (scripts, storyboard, artworks. Submission of recorded messages in CD after approval and before airing. Product must be as registered by the Agency. Claim substantiation documents -Herbal Products must carry the Disclaimer- ‘These claims have not been evaluated by NAFDAC.”

     

     

     

  • Going global with made-in-Aba products

    Going global with made-in-Aba products

    If you do not say I am here, nobody will say there you are. When a church wishes to expand its membership it embarks on evangelism outside its base. The essence is to find, and minister to the unconverted and convert them.

    Since he became Governor of Abia State on the 29th of May 2015, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has stridently campaigned for and promoted made in Aba brands with unparalleled vigor and focus.

    It all started with his decision that all through his tenure, as Governor, he will only wear made in Aba clothes, shoes and accessories.

    To date, he has kept that promise to the admiration and acknowledgement of all, by always wearing openly branded made in Aba clothes and shoes, even outside the shores of Nigeria.

    In addition, he has added serving of only Abia or Ebonyi rice at Government House, and has even gone ahead to support the large scale production of local rice in Abia.

    He also prioritizes the use of local construction companies to execute his much talked about “caterpillar revolution” that has delivered more than 40 roads, mostly with the innovative Rigid Pavement Technology, also known as cement road construction, at Aba.

    Nationally, the focused promotion of Made In Aba brands by the Governor has attracted the attention of the Federal Government with the current Acting President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, being one of the strongest supporters of the Governor’s MSME growth initiatives. Nigerian military has long ordered for and received more than 50,000 Aba Made shoes while the National Youth Service Corps is currently considering a proposal to make all their uniforms from Aba at a much reduced cost.

    Little wonder Abia State recently won the Best state in Promotion of made in Nigeria products and best state in the promotion of SME in the Businessday Newspaper States Competitiveness and Good Governance Award of 2017.

    While delivering his 2017 budget address to the National Assembly in December 2016, President Muhammad Buhari noted that his administration will focus on local procurement of goods and services to support growing industrial and innovation hubs like Aba.

    According to president Buhari,    “…We will buy Made in Nigeria goods. We will encourage garment manufacturing and Nigerian designers, tailors and fashion retailers. We will patronise local entrepreneurs. We will promote the manufacturing powerhouses in Aba…”

    Many viewed that policy statement as a direct result of the strident promotion of made in Aba brands championed by Governor Ikpeazu.

    Only recently too, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said that tailors and designers in Aba make the best clothes in the world.

    Ngige who equally praised shoes produced at Aba made the assertion while speaking to newsmen in his office at Abuja during the recently celebrated 60th anniversary of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) also urged the group to synergize with Aba SMEs to deliver much better results.

    He said that NECA in its existence has not done well, urging them to do more by bringing other employers across Nigeria  into their folds.

    “Imagine there is no presence of NECA in Aba, the tailors there make the best clothes in the world. The shoe making outlets there are the best shoes producers in African continent and are owned by private owner.”

    After receiving the Best state in Promotion of made in Nigeria brands and best state in the promotion of SME in the Businessday Newspaper States Competitiveness and Good Governance Award 2017, Governor Ikpeazu followed up the following day by launching the made in Aba fashion show that attracted the creme de la creme of the Abuja society, including diplomats, Nollywood practitioners, government officials, entrepreneurs, professionals and the fashion conscious residents of the Federal capital city.

    Since the highly successful event at Abuja, many have come to understand better the evangelistic disposition of the Governor Ikpeazu with his campaign for made in Aba products. In this wise, he considers Aba and Abia the base of the “already converted” and decided to launch out to the deep of Nigeria and the globe to further spread his message of Aba’s technological and innovative ingenuity to others.

    Such is the passion of the Governor to promote products made in his state that even international organizations like Ford Foundation are willing to stake a claim to the positively changing narrative of Made In Aba brands. The organization is sponsoring international media campaigns using CNN and other global media platforms to sensitize consumers of the quality brands being produced at the SME capital of Nigeria.

    Speaking at the Made-in-Aba fashion show, the Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo, emphasized the need for Nigerians to patronize Aba products.

    He also decried the neglect of Aba by government and commended Governor Ikpeazu for his unflinching desire to reposition Aba and products from the commercial city.

    Testimony from producers of Made in Aba brands confirms the benefits of the focused promotion of the brands by the Ikpeazu led administration. One of the participants at the recent Made In Aba fashion show at Abuja, Mr Andrew Anya Etim of Shoeplanet, captured the gratitude of the participants when he stated during a TV program that his sales of Aba made shoes have grown in leaps over the past one and half years.

    According to Mr Anya, “my company started buying and making Aba Made brands in 2015 and we are now making much more in volumes and profits than we made when we were importing foreign shoes and clothes. My customers are happy to buy our products which are clearly marked as “Made In Nigeria” and I must admit that we owe a lot of that to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.”

    A foreign visitor to the Made in Aba Fashion show at Abuja was so visibly impressed by the quality of the products he saw on display and modeled by some of the best models drawn from the Aba environment that he asked his Nigerian escort to swear that “these beautiful products were actually produced in Nigeria”.

    In an interview with newsmen after receiving the Business Day Award, Governor Ikpeazu captured the thinking behind his administration’s efforts to promote Made in Aba brands. According to him, “we want to help our local producers grow and make more profits, contribute to reduction in unemployment and add to the GDP of the nation in such a way that the country will wean itself from over-dependence on oil revenue.”

    If the success recorded so far is anything to go by, it is expected that over the tenure of Governor Ikpeazu, Aba will move from the production and export of more than one million pairs of shoes weekly to become the African fashion products manufacturing hub. This notion is supported by the fact that Aba producers are supported by one of the best equipment fabrication industry in Africa that produces high quality machines and equipment to aid mechanized manufacturing.

    Made in Aba is already leading at the national front, while making very strong competitive impact globally. Even those who dericively focus on the geographical location of Aba are now taking note.

    When you buy and use made in Aba brands you are contributing to NIGERIA’s socio-economic development.

     

    • Appolos is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

     

  • Shoprite reaffirms commitment to made-in-Nigeria products

    Shoprite reaffirms commitment to made-in-Nigeria products

    Shoprite Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to local products with its ‘Made- in-Nigeria’initiative, which has benefited producers and customers.

    The majority of products sold by Shoprite are sourced within the country. By pledging to stock more local produce across its 23 stores, Shoprite is highlighting its commitment to the economic  growth.

    The ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ initiative includes quarterly gatherings where local manufacturers can network and showcase their goods. These  have helped strengthen the relationship between Shoprite and local manufacturers, and have enabled manufacturers to identify new markets for their products.

    Integrated Factory Foods Managing Partner, Akhibi Onoke, said the benefits of selling Naija Sweet Rice in Shoprite stores had been evident.

    Onoke, who started supplying to Shoprite four months ago, said: “The big advantage for us is that our products are available in 23 stores nationwide, which increases our market and provides us with growth opportunities. The fact that people see the goods in Shoprite gives us a level of credibility. We are gaining a lot of mileage from that and the exposure to the retailers customer base is definitely working for us.”

    Pally Agro Products Managing Director, Anwuli Onyeagu, who makes  fresh palm fruit extracts, has been a part of the Shoprite ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ initiative for over three months. She said sales volumes of her products increased by over 40 per cent during the period.

    Shoprite is confident that ‘Made- in-Nigeria’ initiative is the boost that local suppliers need to grow the economy. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are encouraged to work with Shoprite.

    Local suppliers are subjected to the same stringent quality standards and demanding targets expected of Shoprite’s international suppliers. The ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ initiative provides more support to local manufacturers to ensure consistency of supply.

    In the past 11 years, the retailer has sourced products locally and has kept to its promise of lower prices.