The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has carried out a major operation to destroy a large consignment of substandard imported products that failed to meet Nigeria's minimum safety and quality standards.
According to a statement released by the agency, the destroyed items included tyres, electrical cables, steel doors, and spark plugs. The exercise was conducted following comprehensive quality assessments that revealed these products posed significant safety risks to Nigerian consumers.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, emphasized that the destruction was a necessary measure to prevent the circulation of unsafe products in the Nigerian market.
"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," Dr. Okeke stated. "This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders—from producers to consumers—that SON will not allow substandard goods to thrive in Nigeria."
The operation was carried out under the authority granted to SON by the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which empowers the organization to regulate and enforce standards for goods in the Nigerian market.
Dangers of Substandard Products
Dr. Okeke particularly highlighted the dangers associated with expired tyres on Nigerian roads. He noted that tyres have a lifespan of four years, after which they become susceptible to bursting, potentially causing fatal accidents.
The SON Director-General also explained how improper storage conditions and exposure to extreme temperatures can significantly compromise tyre quality and safety.
Beyond tyres, other destroyed products such as substandard electrical cables pose serious fire hazards, while inferior steel doors and spark plugs present various safety and security risks to consumers.
Call for Consumer Vigilance
The agency has urged Nigerian consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard products to the nearest SON office or through the organization's toll-free number.
This destruction exercise represents part of SON's ongoing efforts to protect Nigerian consumers from dangerous products while ensuring that manufacturers and importers adhere to established quality standards.
The agency continues to emphasize that maintaining high-quality standards for products in the Nigerian market is crucial for public health, safety, and the overall economic development of the country.
