The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) recently destroyed millions of naira worth of substandard imported products, including tyres, electrical cables, steel doors, and spark plugs, which failed to meet the country’s safety and quality standards. This action underscores the agency’s commitment to its regulatory role, as outlined in the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which empowers SON to enforce product standards across Nigerian markets.
Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of SON, emphasized the significant dangers posed by substandard tyres, which can lead to accidents, particularly when used beyond their recommended shelf life. He explained that new or used tires have an expiry date of four years, and failure to replace them in time can result in dangerous blowouts. Furthermore, he highlighted the risk of improper storage, noting that extreme temperatures can deteriorate the quality of tyres, compromising safety.
Dr. Okeke urged Nigerian consumers to report any substandard goods they encounter to SON offices across the country or via the toll-free number, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to safeguarding the public from unsafe products. He also warned stakeholders, from producers to consumers, that SON will continue to eliminate unsafe and unregulated goods from the market, prioritizing Nigerian citizens’ health, safety, and security.
