Bill Sponsor: Sen. Bamidele. Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central-Senate Leader)
Bill Progress: First Reading
The recent introduction of the Nigeria Weights and Measure Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 614) marks a significant step forward in legal metrology within the country. This initiative aims to address gaps in the current measurement framework, enhancing trade practices and consumer protections by establishing a dedicated regulatory agency.
The bill proposes the creation of the Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency, which will be tasked with overseeing all aspects related to legal metrology in Nigeria. Currently, the responsibility lies with the Weights and Measures Department under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. By elevating this department into a fully-fledged regulatory agency, the government seeks to enhance its operational capacity and effectiveness in enforcing standards.
One of the pivotal aims of the bill is to update the existing legal framework governing weights and measures. The current Weights and Measures Act, dating back to 1962 with a subsequent amendment in 1974, has not kept pace with the evolving needs of trade and industry. In a global landscape where trade regulations and measurements continually advance, this legislation seeks to repeal and amend outdated statutes, ensuring that Nigeria’s legal metrology practices reflect international best practices.
Trade and consumer protection are two critical imperatives underpinning the bill. Inaccurate measurements can lead to disputes in transactions, ultimately harming consumer interests and distorting market fairness. By promoting accuracy and reliability in measurements used during trade, the Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency would foster equity, ensuring that consumers receive fair value for their purchases while producers are not disadvantaged.
A core element of the legislation is its relationship to the Nigeria National Quality Policy (NNQP). The NNQP is designed to improve the overall quality of Nigerian products and services. The establishment of the Nigerian Weights and Measures Regulatory Agency will play an essential role in implementing this policy by ensuring that all measurement-related activities within the economy are conducted with precision. This, in turn, will promote consumer confidence in local products and strengthen business competitiveness by demonstrating adherence to high standards.
The ability to instill confidence among consumers is vital for the growth of domestic markets. Accurate measurements not only serve to protect consumers but also enable businesses to compete both locally and internationally.
However, successful implementation of the bill will demand careful planning and resources. Ensuring adequate funding, training, and infrastructure to support the agency will be key challenges that must be addressed. Stakeholders from various sectors, including government, industry, and civil society, will need to collaborate to ensure that the regulatory framework is comprehensive, practical, and effective in tackling the challenges of modern trade.
