By Nkechi Eze
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians through the public destruction of seized substandard products at its warehouse in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.
The exercise, which took place on April 29, 2025, featured the destruction of various unsafe goods, including stuffed tyres, steel doors, electrical wires, and faulty spark plugs, that posed serious safety risks to consumers.
SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, emphasized that the destruction was a clear message to those who seek to undermine public safety and disrupt market integrity.
“Today’s event is not just about the destruction of a few products. It is a clear message to all who seek to undermine public safety and disrupt the integrity of the market: SON will not relent in its duty,” He said.
Dr. Ifeanyi also stated that the items destroyed had failed rigorous conformity assessments and posed potential dangers such as road accidents, compromised security, and mechanical failures stressing that SON’s actions were in line with the powers conferred under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015.
“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,” he stated.
The DG/CE commended the efforts of SON’s Inspectorate and Compliance Department, along with other partners, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their collaboration in the war against substandard goods. He urged the Nigerian public to demand quality and certified products, emphasizing that only a collective effort can rid the market of counterfeit and dangerous items.
The destruction exercise marks another milestone in SON’s efforts to enhance consumer safety, promote fair trade, and sanitize the Nigerian market.
The Organisation’s zero-tolerance stance on substandard products was reiterated by the HOD Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Engr. Ugbaja Joseph Chukwuemeka, who noted that SON will continue to trace, seize, and destroy such goods while holding defaulters accountable.
Key officials of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria attended the event, including Engr. Onucheyo Shaibu Enebi, Director of Product Certification Directorate; Engr. Ugbaja Joseph Chukwuemeka, Head of Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate; Barr. Zwawua James, Head of Legal Services Department; and Mr. Amadi Victor Ndukwe, Assistant Director of Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate.
