…Eze: HP putting measures in place through authorized distributors to eliminate fake
By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Federal Government through the Communications Ministry has raised the alarm over the rising rate of counterfeit HP computers, toner and other ICT accessories in the country.
On its negative impact in the public sphere, the ministry averred that in its quest to manage public funds and check the menace of counterfeit products in public offices, the government says it will embark on general survey on her HP computers, toners and partner HP computer manufacturers to procure only genuine products for maximum output.
In a statement made available to the media over the week end, Phil Oshodin, Head (Information/PRU), said the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Mr. Musa Istifanus, who was represented by Director of ICT, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, stated at the week end during a meeting between the management staff of the ministry and a delegation of HP Computer Manufacturers Company in Abuja.
The director, the statement added, described the rate of counterfeit products in the country as a problem and worrisome. She assured that the ministry would take a lead to survey all HP computers in the MDAs.
She said: “we will encourage registration with HP to supply genuine computer systems and parts, service the bad ones through their certified engineers and distributors to put an end to the ugly trend of illegal distributors who make consumers to pay more for bad products that end up not serving their purposes”.
Udoh, regretted that there are so many fake products out there in the Nigerian market, hence, she charged the company to intensify enlightenment campaigns and workshops to educate consumers on the indicators for identifying fake products and their implications on their (consumers) economy.
The director also urged them to put up a workshop for all procurement directors in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to sensitize them on the negative effects of counterfeit products, how they affect manpower and how to avoid falling victims so that public funds would not be wasted on buying products that would not serve their purposes.
While she acknowledged that counterfeit is a general problem, she said the ministry would partner the company to avoid patronizing fake products and secure toners service program from it (HP) to safe the Federal government from avoidable costs.
In a remark, the Manager, HP Company, Mr. Emmanuel Eze, said the company is 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.
Also in a remark, the Business Manager (HP), Olamide Ojo, said there are so many counterfeit products in the market which according to him is a global phenomenon not peculiar to Nigeria alone, where illegal manufacturers fake their products to look like the originals which at the end failed to serve the consumers.
According to him, the ugly trend of counterfeit products has not only cost the company millions of dollars but has also cost unsuspecting consumers their hard earned money and rid them from consumer satisfaction.