SON urges Nigerian importers, traders to shun fake, sub-standard goods

In its continued efforts to eradicate fake and sub-standard products from Nigerian markets, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken its advocacy for zero tolerance on substandard goods to electronic importers and traders at Alaba international market, Lagos.

Speaking yesterday during a sensitization programme at the International Market Association (Electronics) Alaba, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Osita Aboloma urged importers to avoid non-compliant trade while seeking for the cooperation of the association against the influx of sub-standard products.

The Director-General who was represented by the Director, DG office, Alh. Kabiru Muhammed said it is the responsibility of the organization to protect Nigerians from substandard products that leads to harm, accident, and loss of revenue.

He noted there is a need to protect genuine importers and traders in electronics business which represent the biggest market in West Africa.

Aboloma further said there is a need for importers to shun false declaration of goods in import documents.

He informed that about 50 percent of importers are yet to meet up with the Nigeria Industrial standard while advocating for made in Nigeria goods that will meet up with the organization requirement.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Check, Alaba International Market Association (Electronics) Evang. Paulinus Ugochukwu urged the Federal Government to consider reopening land borders to other African countries stating that there are several genuine businessmen and women especially in a market like electronics that transact and do business legitimately and have customers in other African countries.

He urged government to put in more effort in ensuring a more regular power supply as this will aid businesses and encourage the building of more factories in the country.

On goods that do not meet requirements of NIS, Ugochukwu said the leadership of the association has taken and is still taking numerous measures in ensuring that the market is known as a place where you can find standard, authentic and genuine products.

He said the association has set up a committee that would ensure compliance to NIS.

According to him, “There will be displays of several branded and authentic products owned by members of this Association. The leadership of this association has taken and is still taking numerous measures in ensuring that this market is known as a place where you can find standard, authentic and genuine products.

“Alaba Electronics is known to be the biggest single Electronics Market in Africa; going by this, it is not far-fetched to say that our contribution to the GDP of the country towards building of the economy is notable and substantial

” Based on this I wish to also appeal to the Federal Government to reconsider the re-opening of our borders to other African countries as there are several genuine business men and Women especially in a market like ours that transact and do business legitimately and have customers in other African countries.

“Furthermore, in appreciation of the efforts put in so far in the power sector, it goes without saying that it will be immensely beneficial if the Federal Government can put in more effort in ensuring a more regular power supply as this will aid businesses and encourage the building of more factories in Nigeria”.

Edited by ‘Biodun Soyele