The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has expressed concern over the rising presence of substandard products in Nigerian markets, issuing a stern warning to both importers and local manufacturers to desist from such practices or face dire consequences.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, gave the warning during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The workshop themed “Growing Businesses through Standardisation,” the event aimed to foster deeper understanding and collaboration among regulatory authorities and business operators.
Represented by Mrs. Talutu Athan, Director of the Corporate Affairs Department, Dr. Okeke noted that substandard goods not only endanger consumers but also hinder Nigeria’s economic advancement.
“Substandard goods undermine the nation’s economic growth and pose serious risks to consumers,” he said, stressing that regulatory compliance and strict adherence to standards were essential to ensuring sustainable industrial and economic development.
Dr. Okeke explained that the workshop was organized to enlighten stakeholders about the importance of standardisation and to encourage synergy between SON and industry players for the growth of Nigerian enterprises.
“Today’s economic reputation is as important as customers want to know not only what you produce, but how,” he said.
He further stated, “For our goods to reach premium markets beyond our borders, they must meet established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to frustrate producers, but to ensure quality and competitiveness.”
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting genuine businesses and consumers alike, the SON boss said, “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,” he appealed.
Dr. Okeke described standards as essential tools for business growth, stating: “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.”
He also informed the public of the agency’s toll-free lines for reporting substandard products: 08099937380 and 07056990099.
In his remarks, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. Emeka Orajaka, expressed the agency’s unwavering support for SON’s efforts to rid markets of fake and inferior products.
He urged manufacturers and suppliers to take the certification of their products seriously before releasing them into the market.
“Producers and suppliers must embrace the campaign against fake products. Certification should come first before products reach the market,” Orajaka said.
Also speaking at the workshop, Mr. Lawal Ayanda, a resource person, underscored the need to promote locally made goods, particularly cables and wires. He lauded the quality of Nigerian-made cables, citing their superior safety features.
“Nigerian cables are flame retardant. It’s resistant to fire. All Nigerian cables have SON logos,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of SON, Mrs. Maryrose Ugwueche, appreciated all stakeholders present for their continued support of the agency’s operations across the state.
The workshop drew participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), among others.
