Department of Weights and Measures (Legal Metrology)

Department of Weights and Measures
(Legal Metrology)

The Weights and Measures Department (Legal Metrology) of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) is mandated to ensure that all measurements used in trade transactions across Nigeria are accurate, fair, safe, and legal.

By safeguarding accuracy in weighing and measuring instruments, the Department protects consumers and producers, enhances public health and safety, preserves the environment, and builds trust in trade in Nigeria and with international partners.

Mission & Vision

Vision Statement

To be one of the world’s leading legal metrology agencies and contribute to the economic development objectives of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Mission Statement

To ensure that all commercial transactions involving measurement are fair, accurate, and legal, protecting consumers and promoting healthy competition across Nigeria’s economy.

Divisions

Standards, Surveillance & Metrological Data (SSMD) Division
Oil & Gas Division
Non-Oil Division
Metrology Competence Development Division
National Metrology Infrastructure (NMI) / Special Duties Division

Legal Mandate

The Department derives its authority from key national laws and regulations, including:

Item 65, Exclusive Legislative List, 1999 Constitution of Nigeria
Weights and Measures Act Cap W3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004
Standardization of Indigenous Measures Regulation (1992)
Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act (CAP P25 LFN 2004)
Weights and Measures Regulations (2012)

Core Activities

Calibration & Verification

Custody, maintenance, and calibration of Nigeria’s standards (primary, secondary, and working standards) traceable to international benchmarks.

Testing & Certification

Monitoring, verifying, and certifying all weighing and measuring instruments used in commerce, industry, shops, and open markets.

Oil & Gas Measurement

Certification of equipment used to measure crude oil and gas, and verification of export volumes to ensure transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas trade.

Consumer Protection

Cross-checking pre-packed goods to confirm that declared net weights match actual contents, preventing fraud and shortchanging of consumers.

Equipment Approval

Approval of new weighing and measuring instruments (manufactured locally or imported) and modifications to existing devices to guarantee suitability for trade.

Standardization of Indigenous Measures

Enforcing uniform adoption of traditional measures (such as those used in grain and liquid trade) across Nigeria.

Licensing & Competency Certificates

Registration and issuance of certificates to manufacturers, calibrators, and repairers of weighing and measuring equipment.

Revenue Collection

Collection of statutory service fees, remitted through the Treasury Single Account (TSA), to support government accountability.

Why the Weights and Measures Department Matters

The Department ensures accuracy in trade measurement, which is the foundation of fair commerce, consumer trust, and economic growth. Its services guarantee that businesses operate within legal standards while protecting the Nigerian public from fraud, unsafe practices, and unfair competition. By aligning with international metrology standards, the Department also strengthens Nigeria’s position in global trade, ensuring fairness and transparency in both local and international transactions.