Determined to safeguard the lives of Nigerians by ensuring that substandard products do not find their way into the Nigerian markets, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on Tuesday destroyed seized compromised (stuffed) vehicle tyres, fake Spark Plugs, palates of substandard doors and cables worth millions of Naira.
Speaking during the destruction of the goods at the SON facility in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, the Director General/ Chief Executive of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said the event was an essential step in ensuring the safety and well-being of every Nigerian citizen.
The DG who was represented at the destruction site by the Director of Inspectorate, Directorate & Compliance, Mr Pius Maji, said:”Today, we gather here, to witness the destruction of substandard products that have been seized by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. This action is not just an administrative formality; it is an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to public safety, consumer protection, and the promotion of fair-trade practices in Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the products we are destroying today – stuffed tyres, steel doors, and spark plugs – were found to be substandard and posed serious risks to the health and safety of Nigerians. Substandard tyres can cause devastating accidents on our roads, unsafe steel doors compromise the security of our homes and businesses, and faulty spark plugs can lead to engine failures, causing inconvenience and further potential hazards.”
Speaking further, he said the destruction of these substandard products aligns directly with SON’s mandate as outlined in the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No. 14 of 2015. Under this Act, SON is vested with the authority to regulate and enforce product standards to ensure that only safe, quality, and certified products are available for use for the Nigerian consumers.
His word: “This is part of our broader effort to protect Nigerian consumers from harmful and counterfeit products. As an agency, we take our responsibility seriously, and today’s action is a clear demonstration of our resolve to rid the market of dangerous, unregulated goods that undermine the safety, health, and security of our citizens.
“By taking decisive action, we are reinforcing the importance of adherence to product quality standards in Nigeria. Manufacturers, importers, and vendors must understand that the safety and welfare of the Nigerian public will always come first.
“This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders in the Nigerian market – from producers to consumers – that SON will continue to ensure that substandard goods do not have a place in our country. We are dedicated to making Nigeria’s market safer and more reliable.”
Obviously, the event was used to send a clear message to those engaged in this type of trade to desist or be nabbed by the long arms of the law.
The SON DG used the opportunity to commend the diligent efforts of the Inspectorate and Compliance Department and all SON officials who work tirelessly to ensure that the Nigerian markets remain safe and that the products available in the markets meet the highest standards. “We also appreciate the support and cooperation of law enforcement agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant authorities in the fight against substandard products,” Dr Okeke said.
He urged the public to always demand certified, quality products, even as he said “together, we can ensure that the Nigerian market is free from the dangers of substandard goods.”
The Director General also affirmed the commitment of SON to continue enforcing its mandate, upholding the law, and prioritising the safety and well-being of every Nigerian.
