The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has seized and destroyed fake and substandard products worth over N20 billion as part of its efforts to rid the country of counterfeit goods.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, made this known during a sensitization campaign and stakeholders’ engagement in Kano.
Dr. Okeke said the agency is committed to ensuring that only quality products are sold in Nigerian markets and will continue to track down those involved in producing and distributing fake goods.
“We have carried out massive seizures in sectors such as LPG gas cylinders, tyres, cables, aluminium roofing sheets, and lubricants,” he said. “In the lubricants sub-sector, we have decided to ‘name and shame’ substandard manufacturers, importers, and dealers.”
He explained that the agency had conducted classification and verification exercises in the lubricant sector, which helped identify those involved in selling substandard products.
“Our enforcement activities this year alone have resulted in a massive haul of confiscated fake and counterfeit products worth over N20 billion,” he added.
Dr. Okeke, represented by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Talatu Ethan, stated that besides destroying the fake products, SON will ensure that those responsible face prosecution.
He called on stakeholders, including travel agencies and manufacturers, to work with the agency to stop the spread of substandard goods.
According to him, SON will enforce compliance with Nigeria’s industrial standards to protect the country’s reputation in global markets.
Dr. Okeke also highlighted SON’s move to automate its services, saying this will improve trade facilitation, reduce corruption, and speed up business transactions.
He noted that the integration of SON’s e-certificates and services into the Nigeria Integrated Customs Services would help businesses comply with regulations more efficiently.
He urged stakeholders to support the agency’s enlightenment campaign to ensure only high-quality products enter the Nigerian market.
