By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it will embark on a quest to check the influx of counterfeit products in public offices, mainly that of HP computers and toners which are being used in government sectors.
This was made known by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Communications, Mr Musa Istifanus, during a meeting with the team from HP Computer Manufacturers in the nation’s capital, Abuja recently.
The meeting was aimed at addressing the increasing rate of counterfeit HP products in the Nigerian market with the view to addressing the menace so that federal government and other unsuspecting consumers do not lose their hard-earned money buying fake products that would not stand the test of time after purchased.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, ICT Department, Mrs Monilola Udoh, noted that the rate which the counterfeit products circulated the market was alarming and worrisome.
However, he assured that the Ministry would take the forefront to survey all HP computers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stating that the Ministry would join forces with HP to procure only genuine products for maximum output.
Mr Istifanus charged the company to intensify enlightenment campaigns and workshops to educate consumers on how to easily identify fake HP products and their implications on the economy.
The Permanent Secretary also charged the manufacturing company to set up a workshop for all Procurement Directors in the MDAs to sensitize them on the negative effects of counterfeit products.
The Manager, HP Company, Mr Emmanuel Eze, said in a remark that the company was determined to provide consumers’ satisfaction, having put in place certain control measures, such as buying the products through authorized distributors and retailers, monitoring their activities, while enlightening the beneficiaries on how to avoid counterfeit products.
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