In a decisive move to safeguard Nigerian consumers and uphold market integrity, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has destroyed a cache of substandard imported goods, including tyres, electrical cables, steel doors, and spark plugs, which failed to meet the country’s safety and quality benchmarks.
The destruction, carried out under the watchful eye of SON officials, underscores the agency’s unrelenting commitment to enforcing standards and protecting lives in a market often flooded with defective products.
The operation, conducted in line with SON’s mandate under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, targeted items deemed unfit for use due to their failure to comply with Nigeria’s minimum quality standards.
The act empowers SON to regulate goods in the Nigerian market, ensuring that only products meeting rigorous safety and performance criteria reach consumers. The destroyed items, SON revealed, posed significant risks, from road accidents caused by faulty tyres to electrical hazards from subpar cables.
Speaking at the destruction site, SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasized the critical role of quality products in preventing avoidable tragedies, particularly on Nigeria’s highways.
Tyres are a lifeline on the road, Okeke declared. “Substandard or expired tyres can burst, leading to catastrophic accidents. Whether new or used, tyres have a shelf life of four years. Beyond that, they become ticking time bombs.” He urged motorists to check tyre manufacturing dates—typically printed on sidewalls—and avoid using expired ones, no matter their apparent condition.
Okeke also highlighted the importance of proper storage and handling, noting that extreme temperatures and poor warehousing practices can degrade tyre quality even before they reach consumers. A tyre exposed to harsh conditions, like Nigeria’s intense heat, loses its integrity, he explained. “This is why SON is not only targeting substandard imports but also educating the public on how to identify and report unsafe products.
The destroyed goods, valued at millions of naira, were confiscated during routine inspections and raids on importers and distributors found to be flouting regulations. The exercise, SON officials said, sends a clear message: no one is above the law, and the agency will not hesitate to act against those peddling dangerous goods.
This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders—from producers to consumers—that SON will not allow substandard goods to thrive in Nigeria. As an agency, we take our responsibility seriously.” Okeke said, his tone resolute.
Today’s action is a clear demonstration of our resolve to rid the market of dangerous, unregulated goods that undermine the safety, health, and security of our citizens.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
SON’s actions are not just about enforcement; they’re about building trust in the market and protecting Nigeria’s reputation as a destination for quality goods.
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