FG moves to clean up markets with new anti-counterfeit tracking system

By Progress Godfrey  

The Federal Government has formalised a major agreement to deploy the Products Authentication and Tracking System (PATS), in a decisive move to tackle counterfeit and substandard goods and restore confidence in Nigeria’s markets.

According to a statement by the ministry on Thursday, the agreement was signed in Abuja under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, bringing together the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Conformity Management Solutions Limited, with technology support from SICPA of Switzerland, to strengthen product verification, traceability and consumer protection.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described the system as a critical reform to protect consumers and support local industries.

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.”

Providing insight into the framework, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, said the project had secured all required approvals, including that of the Federal Executive Council.

“The successful completion of all regulatory processes underscores the credibility of this project and sets the stage for transparent and efficient delivery,” he said.

Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said the system would strengthen enforcement and reduce the circulation of substandard goods. He added that it would enable real-time product verification and improve regulatory oversight across markets.

Representing NAFDAC, Deputy Director Dinah Sam Dinah said the initiative would unify existing tracking mechanisms into a national system for regulators and consumers.

She explained that the platform would allow authorities to trace counterfeit products to their source while enabling consumers to verify authenticity directly.

Also speaking, SICPA Chief Business Officer, Gianni Nigro, said the company would support implementation through technology, local investment and capacity development.

The statement added that the system would be deployed across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, textiles, chemicals and building materials to ensure product integrity

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