Safe Products: Gov. Otti assures NAFDAC of support.
Abia State government has assured the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control ( NAFDAC) and the Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, MSMEs business leaders of the necessary support needed to build a dynamic synergy that thrives on mutual cooperation.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and SMEs in conjunction with NAFDAC and MSME business leaders in Aba, Governor Alex otti said he runs a business-friendly government and would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to guarantee that Abia becomes the best destination for ethical business practices.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu acknowledged that the state needs both NAFDAC and MSMEs to forge ahead.
His words, “We need NAFDAC to guarantee the safety of what we consume and also protect genuine entrepreneurs from those who profit in the production of counterfeit products. The MSMEs on the other hand dictate the pace of our economic growth”.
Gov. Otti who pointed out that the worth of the MSMEs sector in Aba alone is modestly estimated at over 2 billion dollars, said with the road infrastructure, development and remarkable improvements in security in Aba, the state expects the figure to triple by the end of the year.
He expressed confidence that with the collaboration with NAFDAC, whatever that would be produced in the city and Abia in general would be safe for consumption anywhere in the world.
Also in his speech, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and SMEs, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, disclosed that Gov. Otti is making efforts to ensure regulatory compliance in all sectors, coupled with his commitment to formulating policies that would ensure strict compliance.
Hon. Ekwuribe who pointed out that the state government would work closely with NAFDAC to enhance their regulatory capabilities and supporting the strength and growth of MSMEs in the state, disclosed further that the state has made significant strides in promoting culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Earlier in her speech, the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed that about 80 percent of Nigerians are involved in MSMEs, and the Agency’s mandate among other things, is to regulate and control these products, hence the need for the interaction.
She maintained that the growth of MSMEs is of utmost importance to the Agency as it contributes to about 50 percent of the nation’s economy, adding also that the Agency through its mandate have to protect the regulated products and the citizens who make use of, or consume the products through monitoring the regulated products.
The event featured goodwill messages from the relevant stakeholders, including the Aba Chamber of Commerce,Mines and Industry, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Abia North Chamber of Commerce and representatives of CAC and BIR among others.
