SON Intensifies Fight Against Substandard Products
The Standards Organisation Of Nigeria, SON, says goods produced or imported into the country must meet the minimum standards, registered and certified.
This, it said, is to reduce the effects of substandard goods on the nation’s economy, and the health of the citizens.
This resolution was disclosed at a one-day sensitization workshop held by the organization in Awka.
The workshop which had as theme: “SON Requirements and Compliance Monitoring Activities To Curb The Influx And Sale Of Substandard Products In The Country,” was organized by the Inspectorate And Compliance Directorate of the organization in Awka, Anambra State capital.
The day sensitization attracted manufacturers, marketers and other stakeholders whose value chain are involved in product manufacturing or importation in Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States.
It also attracted other organizations partnering SON towards standardization of products circulating in markets, to reduce to the barest minimum, the number of fake and counterfeits products.
In his welcome address, the Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said the pubic sensitization is timely as the federal government makes efforts to turn around the nation’s economy and to elicit support and collaborations.
Dr Okeke challenged all stakeholders to follow due process in carrying out their businesses, pledging to ensure mutual business growth and public safety.
The Director General, represented by the Director of Public Relations in the organization, Dr Mrs Foluso Bolaji, asserted that SON is not relenting in its regulatory functions as they have confiscated many fake and sub-standard products, arraigned and tried suspects involved at federal courts, and appealed to everyone to ensure strict adherence to standards and quality assurance.
He re-assured consumers of quality and safety of their locally made or imported goods, stressing that all regulated products must pass through their certification, as well as comply with applicable mandatory national standards.
In his remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, said the sensitization was important as the state government is determined to ensure that products available to Ndi Anambra are of the highest standards.
In his presentations, the Head of SON Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Mr Pius Manji-Lawan, maintained that their objective is to build a sustainable nationwide inspectorate and compliance structure for achieving an effective enforcement regime.
Commissioner Of Police, Mr Nnaghe Obono Itam, represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Anietiee Eyo, commended SON for the initiative and their commitment towards promoting quality standards and protecting consumers.
In their various goodwill messages, the Chairman, Anambra State Aluminum Manufacturers Association, Mr Emeka Malunze, and the President, Automobile Manufacturers And Importers Association, Nnewi, Mr Austin Jideofor , extolled the initiative of SON to ensure standardization, and promised that they will always comply and work in collaboration with SON to achieve the desired aims and objectives.
