The Federal Government has taken a decisive step to tackle the menace of counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria with the formal launch of the Products Authentication and Tracking System (PATS). The initiative, executed under a Public-Private Partnership framework, aims to safeguard consumers, boost regulatory efficiency, and restore confidence in local markets.
The agreement, signed in Abuja, brings together the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), 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. The project is structured under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model and is backed by the Federal Executive Council.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, described PATS as a transformative tool for protecting consumers and promoting fair competition. “This system represents a bold and necessary reform that will not only combat counterfeit goods but also enhance regulatory efficiency and position Nigerian products competitively within the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, emphasized the public health benefits of the system, noting its role in ensuring that only safe and high-quality products reach Nigerians. “This milestone strengthens our resolve to eliminate counterfeit products and guarantees that consumers, especially the most vulnerable, have access to reliable goods,” he said.
The Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Jobson Ewalefoh, confirmed that all regulatory approvals have been secured, highlighting the project’s transparency and credibility. Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, noted that PATS will enhance enforcement capabilities by enabling real-time product verification, while NAFDAC’s Deputy Director, Dinah Sam Dinah, stated that the system empowers both regulators and consumers to trace and verify products’ authenticity.
On behalf of the technology provider, SICPA Chief Business Officer Gianni Nigro affirmed the company’s commitment to delivering world-class technology, fostering local capacity, and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
PATS will be rolled out across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, textiles, chemicals, and building materials, marking a major step toward market integrity and consumer protection nationwide.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the system’s successful implementation, describing it as a strategic move to drive sustainable economic growth and protect millions of Nigerian consumers.
