Weights and Measurement: The Nigerian Experience

It is difficult to buy goods and services in the traditional markets across the country without worrying that the retailers are not taking advantage of you.

There are no standard measures in the country for selling loose grains, liquids, food items and other articles that are not pre packed.

Across the length and breadth of the country, traders use assorted plastic, aluminum cups and containers as measuring instruments, these are sometimes stuffed at the bottom to shortchange customers, because these measures vary from one place to another, consumers are often defrauded and dishonest practices are often rife in these markets.

The “Modu” is the traditional measuring instrument for measuring cereals, grains, powdery substances, fruits and vegetables whilst  bottles and plastic containers are used in measuring liquids. The size of the modu varies from one market to another, thus creating a condition for unfair business transactions.

 It is unacceptable that Nigeria which is a member of the France based, SI, International system of units still lags behind in terms of application of the metric systems of weights and measures.

Most countries in the world with the exception of the United States of America and 2 others, have adopted the metric system. It is accepted that the status of a country’s measurement system is a good indication of its development level.

Nigeria is said to lose N755.72billion due to inaccurate measurements annually. This is as a result of ineffective policy and regulation in The Department of Weights and Measures (DWM). The DWM is the department of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investments responsible for measurement, credibility and quality assurance. It is also designed to ensure equity between the providers of goods and services and the consuming public.

 It is also responsible for ensuring a credible system of measures in all sectors of the economy; including  oil and gas, electricity, telecommunications, health, banking, retail, manufacturing, agriculture to name just a few. There are 36 offices of the DWM domiciled in the 36 states of the federation, including one in the F.C.T

Lack of coordination between the federal authorities and the committees at the state level has resulted in an impasse which has allowed the status quo to persist, where consumers are prey to unscrupulous business transactions.

The DWM has failed in it’s mandate to provide the Nigerian consumers fair and accurate measurement in commercial transactions and the ability to compare prices of goods and services across the country, consumers have not been able to get value for their money.

 The DWM needs to be strengthened to carry out  its statutory functions in collaboration with other stakeholders like SON, CPC, DPR, NEPC, to abolish the use of traditional measuring instruments in the country.

It is important that Nigeria as a country which is looking at raising alternative sources of income from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing needs to put in place a framework to meet international standards in the commerce arena and to improve its competitive ability to attract foreign investors as well and facilitate trade in the West African sub region. Countries such as Togo, Benin Cote d’Ivoire use weighing scales as a weighing instrument for trade. Standards and quality control are essential for trade,

 Government and lawmakers need to review appropriate laws to strengthen the establishment of a uniform set of measuring instruments that are globally accepted for weighing goods in metric units such as kilograms and liters.

 It is not prudent for the DWM to be contemplating the designs of indigenous measures such as the “modu” as a tool for commerce in a technologically advanced world. There is a need for the DMW to be given an independent status as a fully fledged agency. And adequate funding as so as to enable it carry out it’s statutory roles of regulation and enforcement.

If it is agreed and accepted by all stake holders that the metric system of measurement is the standard for measurement. Certified weighing scales need to be made available to traders in the local markets and public awareness campaigns launched to educate the populace on the benefits of the scales in the market place.

This will create competitiveness amongst the traders as it would be easy for consumers to ascertain the price of a Kilogram of grain from different parts of the country, thereby enabling comparison of quality and price for consumers. Consumers and business will both benefit from competitive pricing . Consumers and business will both also benefit from the use of standardized weighing scales.

In as much as customs of people are not easily changed no matter how illogical it seems, continued public enlightenment will go a long way to creating the right atmosphere for the use of weighing scales.