Osun to spend N100m on introduction of standardised weights and measures

Governor Aregbesola

The Osun State government has budgeted over N100million for its planned uniformed scales scheme.

Presenting the report titled “Introduction of standardised weights and measures,” it was revealed that the state government would use N100million as take off for the project, and it will buy a range of measurement scales and resell at subsidized rates.

The report said the state government is targeting wholesalers and retailers so; it will go through market associations.

The report lauded the state government’s decision, saying it was a good development in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act of 1962 as modified and put into practice in 1975.

The report showed that goods sold with the use of measures and distributed based on weights were more regulated.

It stressed that the effectiveness of the initiative depends on how efficient the laws that cover the idea were put into practice, most importantly; it added that a superintendent of Trade, Deputy Superintendent, and Inspectors must be appointed to ensure effectiveness of the initiative.

It further said the use of measurement and weight scales in the market can eliminate mistrust and unnecessary arguments.

Apart from eliminating arguments caused by mistrust, the initiative would eliminate delays and increase the pace of work done at the market, create job opportunities, attract customers to the state as well as impact on the economy of the state rightly positive.

The report termed the measurements used by local traders as “unrealistic”

“Findings from observational checklists showed that the measures are based more on rule of thumbs than any degree of accuracy and consistency. The measures are not accurate and reputable. The various measuring standards are full of inherent shortcomings as observed by the market men and women themselves. “

It also said the measurements used were different from each other, with no uniformity.

“The health hazards associated with over exposure of food items cannot be over-emphasised. Most of the communicable diseases are because of the exposure to vectors carrying the germs. Sometimes, nursing mothers, after cleaning up their babies still use the unwashed hands to measure food items, “it added.