The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has strongly condemned the growing presence of substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning both importers and local manufacturers to desist from the practice.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, issued the warning during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop themed: “Growing Businesses through Standardisation”, held in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
Speaking through Mrs. Talutu Athan, Director of the Corporate Affairs Department, Dr. Okeke said substandard goods undermine the nation’s economic growth and pose serious risks to consumers.
He emphasised that adherence to standards and regulatory compliance are essential to achieving sustainable economic and industrial development.
According to him, the workshop was designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of standardisation processes and strengthen collaboration between SON and business operators to support enterprise growth in Nigeria.
“Today’s economic reputation is as important as Customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.
“For our goods to reach premium market which and beyond our boarders they must meet borders they must reach established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude it to frustrate producers.
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“SON is committed to fighting against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.
“We cannot do it alone; we need your support. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.
“Standards are not rules from above; they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success.
“SON has toll-free lines that one can contact in terms of substandard goods. These are 08099937380, 07056990099,” the Director General said.
Also speaking, Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, said the Agency was committed to fighting against fake and inferior products in the markets.
Orajaka, however, pledged support to SON to get rid of substandard goods across the markets in the country.
He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taking them to the market.
A resource, Mr Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on a topic, “Growing Businesses through Standardisation”, said the importance of using made in Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires, could not be over-emphasised.
Ayanda described the made-in-Nigeria cable as the best due to its resistance to fire.
“Nigeria cables are flame retardant. It’s resistant to fire. All Nigerian cables have SON logos,” he stated.
Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, thanked all the stakeholders for their support of its activities in the state.
Other stakeholders at the workshop include: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), among others.