LIVE UPDATES
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) carried out the destruction of a collection of imported substandard tyres, steel doors, and spark plugs that were intercepted as they entered the country.
The destroyed items, valued at billions of naira, were declared unsuitable for use.
The event, held in Lagos, was attended by officials from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, along with importers, trade associations, and other law enforcement partners.
During the ceremony, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director-General and Chief Executive of SON, expressed that the substandard goods posed serious risks to public safety and national security.
Okeke, represented by his Special Assistant for Strategic Support, Manji Pious Lawan, pointed out that these items were confiscated by SON enforcement teams in collaboration with various agencies for not meeting Nigeria's basic safety and quality standards.
He highlighted the significant threats these materials posed to lives, property, and the economic stability of the nation.
Okeke disclosed that multiple suspects had been arrested and prosecuted, with some cases still ongoing in court.
He described the destruction as a pivotal part of the agency’s continuous efforts to eliminate dangerous and uncertified products from the Nigerian market and safeguard consumers.
He stated, “Substandard tyres can lead to catastrophic accidents on our roads, insecure steel doors jeopardize the safety of our homes and businesses, and malfunctioning spark plugs can cause engine failures.
Today's action is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible demonstration of SON’s commitment to protect Nigerian lives and ensure consumer safety.”
Okeke reiterated that this initiative is in line with the organisation’s mandate under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which empowers the agency to enforce quality standards and remove hazardous products from circulation.
He assured that SON would persist in its efforts, vowing to continue identifying, seizing, and destroying substandard items while holding accountable those responsible.
Okeke cautioned manufacturers, importers, and traders that disregard for Nigeria’s quality standards would not be accepted.
Additionally, he praised SON’s Inspectorate and Compliance Department and acknowledged the crucial role played by partner agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in combatting counterfeit and dangerous products.
