Businesses Decry Harassment and Multiple Regulatory Bottlenecks in Lagos

Businesses Decry Harassment and Multiple Regulatory Bottlenecks in Lagos

 

Lagos manufacturers are raising their voices against the harassment and bottlenecks they face from multiple regulators and agencies in the state. The outcry follows a viral video showing a man destroying a delivery van loaded with sachet water, popularly called “pure water,” intended for a customer. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and concern among stakeholders in the business community.

One of the prominent voices speaking against this troubling trend is Engr. Roberta Edu, CEO of Moppets Baby Food, a Lagos-based infant food manufacturing firm. Reacting to the video, Edu described it as a reflection of the “huge regulatory gap” plaguing the Nigerian business environment.

“The viral video showing a man destroying sachet water in a van that was out for delivery highlights the huge regulatory gap we have in the country,” she lamented. “Now, NAFDAC has denied their involvement, and Lagos State Environment has also distanced themselves from this act.”

Edu shared her personal experiences at a recent program organized by Helen Keller International, where other manufacturers also voiced concerns about the challenges of navigating Lagos’s convoluted regulatory landscape.

“In Lagos, everyone seems to act as a regulatory body, and there is nowhere to report these malicious acts,” she explained. “After obtaining approvals from NAFDAC and SON to standardize a factory, local government officials often show up with conflicting demands, creating chaos and enforcing compliance through harassment and threats.”

She further criticized the lack of accountability and enforcement in such cases, stating, “We cannot be talking about the ease of doing business in Nigeria while leaving touts on the road to destroy businesses. Up till this moment, the culprit behind this incident has not been identified or held accountable for the destruction caused to the sachet water business. And this is just one out of millions of similar incidents.”

Edu’s comments echo the frustrations of many business owners struggling to operate in an environment plagued by overlapping regulations and harassment. The call for streamlined regulations and improved enforcement mechanisms is growing louder as stakeholders demand action to protect businesses and foster economic growth in Lagos.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Roberta Edu’s Path to Walmart: A Lesson in Due Diligence and Business Integrity

Roberta Edu’s Path to Walmart: A Lesson in Due Diligence and Business Integrity

 

Breaking into the competitive American market is a dream for many brands, and for Roberta Edu, CEO of Nigeria’s Moppet, that dream came closer to reality when her baby formula brand received an invitation to join the Walmart Marketplace. Yet, her path to this milestone was anything but straightforward. In a journey marked by caution, wisdom, and resilience, Edu shares how stringent due diligence practices helped her sidestep potential pitfalls and secure Moppet’s reputation as it prepared for this significant market entry.

Edu’s story highlights the importance of integrity and verification in high-stakes business moves. Reflecting on a prior offer from a distributor promising lucrative market access in the United States, Edu admits the initial excitement clouded her judgment. “In your quest to do business, expand, and penetrate the market, please do not close your eyes to red flags and don’t dabble in dirty waters knowingly or unknowingly,” she shared. Her husband, YM, urged her to carefully investigate the distributor’s background and funding sources, eventually uncovering troubling signs that led them to end the deal.

The experience became a valuable lesson in risk management, as Walmart later asked for similar documentation to ensure Moppet’s compliance with international regulations. Edu now emphasizes that “due diligence today prevents regrets tomorrow,” a principle that has strengthened Moppet’s growth journey and reinforced her commitment to ethical business practices. Her story stands as a powerful reminder to entrepreneurs worldwide: integrity and thorough verification are the true gateways to sustainable success.

 

Innoson Vehicles Addresses Allegations by Abia State House of Assembly

Innoson Vehicles Addresses Allegations by Abia State House of Assembly

 

In response to recent claims by the Abia State House of Assembly, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing, a prominent automobile manufacturer, has clarified issues surrounding the fulfillment of their agreement to supply vehicles to the lawmakers.

The company stated that the vehicles ordered by the Governor were of a unique model requiring the development of a new frame not previously produced at their facility. Innoson emphasized their commitment to supporting local products by creating a prototype for the Governor’s approval. Following feedback, necessary modifications were made to meet the specified requirements.

Currently, the vehicles have undergone all required modifications and are in the final stages of quality control testing. Innoson announced that the vehicles would be ready by the end of this month, with delivery expected at the beginning of next month.

Addressing payment concerns raised by the House of Assembly, Innoson clarified that no payments have been received for the vehicles. The company chose not to accept any payment until the vehicles are fully produced and delivered, countering claims that payment had been made.

Innoson expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government for their continued support and reassured them of their commitment to preventing future delays and delivering high-quality vehicles.

Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Vehicles, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to excellent products and services for its customers, thanking the public for their understanding and patience.

Moppet Foods’ Founder, Roberta Edu, Aims for Global Excellence in Baby Food Manufacturing

Moppet Foods’ Founder, Roberta Edu, Aims for Global Excellence in Baby Food Manufacturing

In a remarkable pursuit of manufacturing excellence, Roberta Edu, the visionary IT expert and co-founder of MOPPET, a rapidly growing baby food brand, expressed her commitment to adhering to global best practices. From packaging to meal quality, Edu’s goal is to establish MOPPET as a benchmark in the competitive baby food industry.

“When I decided to become a manufacturer, my aim was clear: to provide the very best for Nigerian children and eventually export globally,” stated Roberta Edu. Not seeking to emulate existing products in Nigeria, she emphasized her focus on surpassing global standards in the baby food category.

Edu recounted her determination to attain the highest quality, even rejecting a machine made in Nigeria for not meeting her stringent standards. Turning to China for a solution, she shared her relentless pursuit of excellence, including a noteworthy incident with an Indian machinery store in Oregun.

Undeterred by setbacks, Edu’s commitment to quality led to a consultancy opportunity with a longstanding Nigerian machinery company seeking her expertise to enhance their machine mechanism.

Dedicated to nutritional excellence, Edu imported baby cereal ingredients from Amazon, conducted rigorous lab analyses, and collaborated with nutritionists to ensure Moppet Foods surpassed global nutrition standards. She emphasized her personal involvement, often waking up in the middle of the night for independent research, placing constant pressure on her Research and Development team.

Proudly declaring Moppet Foods as world-standard in nutrition, Edu highlighted the continuous improvements reflected in their product packaging. Her unwavering pursuit of excellence is evident as she asserted, “The best today isn’t the best for me tomorrow; we must improve on something.”

Roberta Edu concluded with optimism, foreseeing Moppet Foods among the top global brands in the near future. The transformation of Moppet Foods under her leadership stands as a testament to her dedication to quality and global success.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Tiger Foods: Navigating Challenges Amidst Legacy Brands

Tiger Foods: Navigating Challenges Amidst Legacy Brands

 

Tiger Foods, a prominent player in Nigeria’s food industry, reflects on its journey intertwined with the legacies of Mr Bigg’s and UTC bakery. Despite facing significant challenges, Tiger Foods remains resilient in its pursuit of excellence.

Founded in the humble ’90s, Tiger Foods made waves with its innovative product, the ogbenga Tiger Nutmeg blended powder. This unique blend, incorporating Nutmeg, Ehuru, Clove, and other spices, gained traction in the vibrant retail markets across southern Nigeria, notably in Lagos and Abuja.

Understanding the importance of packaging for regulatory compliance, Tiger Foods invested in a striking seven-color cylinder print for its 500g pouches from VeePee Industries, setting a new standard in product presentation.

The pivotal moment came when UTC bakery embraced Tiger Foods’ Ebu-Tiger Nutmeg powder for their bread, paving the way for wider acceptance. Leveraging UTC’s endorsement, Tiger Foods successfully persuaded Mr Bigg’s, then a burgeoning franchise with limited branches, to adopt their innovative blend.

With Mr Bigg’s onboard, Tiger Foods gained credibility, attracting other bakers from regions like Aba, Enugu, Onitsha, Benin, and beyond. Overcoming skepticism about Onitsha’s culinary reputation, Tiger Foods showcased its product at the Lagos international trade fair, dispelling doubts with evidence of reputable purchases from UAC and UTC.

The rigorous clinical testing required by UAC and UTC bolstered confidence in Tiger Foods’ product, encouraging others to follow suit. This marked a significant milestone for Tiger Foods Limited, underscoring its commitment to quality and resilience in the face of adversity.

Reflecting on its journey, Tiger Foods acknowledges the challenges encountered but remains steadfast in its mission to deliver exceptional products to consumers across Nigeria.

 

Celestine Ebubeogu

Roberta Edu Champions Manufacturing Amid Economic Turmoil, Inspires Entrepreneurs

Roberta Edu Champions Manufacturing Amid Economic Turmoil, Inspires Entrepreneurs

In the Face of Economic Challenges, Roberta Edu, CEO of Moppet, Highlights the Power of Manufacturing

In a recent statement, Roberta Edu, the dynamic Chief Executive of Moppet, a rapidly growing baby formula brand, emphasizes the significance of manufacturing in a country grappling with economic uncertainties.

In response to the ongoing economic challenges, exacerbated by currency crashes and forex parity issues, manufacturing emerges as a beacon of hope, echoing the sentiments of Peter Obi, the former presidential aspirant of the Labour Party. Edu advocates for a shift from Nigeria’s current import-oriented economy.

Edu, a versatile professional transitioning from software development to a prominent role in manufacturing, asserts that determination and focus are the keys to becoming a successful manufacturer. In a Facebook comment, she notes the closure of two baby cereal manufacturers and the temporary halt of a third, signaling the industry’s volatility.

Sharing insights into Moppet’s journey, Edu reveals, “We started manufacturing amidst crises—amidst the Russia-Ukraine War, surging diesel prices, and soaring raw material costs. Despite being relatively unknown, we persevered, wearing the resilience hat to achieve our current position.”

Overcoming challenges has not only opened doors for Moppet but has also created opportunities for others. Edu reflects, “The beauty of overcoming challenges is that it allows you to pave the way for others and earn by teaching them the ropes.”

Edu narrates a recent interaction with a fellow manufacturer seeking guidance, highlighting the recognition of her achievements. She acknowledges that the right time to embark on challenges is when they seem most formidable.

In conclusion, Roberta Edu stands as a testament to the potential for success in manufacturing, even amidst adversity.

Written and Compiled by Anthony Emeka Nwosu
Contact: antoniokrys@gmail.com