SON destroys fake goods in Lagos, vows consumer protection

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians through the public destruction of seized substandard products at its warehouse in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

The exercise, carried out on Tuesday April 29, 2025 featured the destruction of various unsafe goods including stuffed tyres, steel doors, electrical wires and faulty spark plugs — items that posed serious safety risks to consumers.

The Director-General/Chief Executive SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke in his address, emphasized that the destruction was far more than a routine task. “Today’s event is not just about the destruction of a few products. It is a clear message to all who seek to undermine public safety and disrupt the integrity of the market: SON will not relent in its duty,” he declared.

According to DG/CE at the event the items destroyed had failed rigorous conformity assessments and posed potential dangers such as road accidents, compromised security, and mechanical failures. He stressed that SON’s actions were in line with the powers conferred under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015.

“By taking decisive action, we are reinforcing the importance of adherence to product quality standards in Nigeria. Manufacturers, importers and vendors must understand that the safety and welfare of the Nigerian public will always come first,” the DG stated.

The DG/CE also commended the efforts of SON’s Inspectorate and Compliance Department, along with the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other partners for their continued collaboration in the war against substandard goods.

He urged the Nigerian public to always demand quality and certified products, adding that only a collective effort can rid the market of counterfeit and dangerous items.

The destruction exercise marks another milestone in SON’s continuous efforts to enhance consumer safety, promote fair trade and sanitize the Nigerian market.

Also in attendance were key officials of the Organisation, including the Director, Product Certification Directorate, Engr. Onucheyo Shaibu Enebi, HOD Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Engr. Ugbaja Joseph Chukwuemeka, HOD Legal Services Department, Barr. Zwawua James and Assistant Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Mr. Amadi Victor Ndukwe.

Delivering the closing remarks, the HOD Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate (ICD), Engr. Ugbaja Joseph Chukwuemeka reiterated the Organisation’s zero-tolerance stance on substandard products, noting that SON will continue to trace, seize, and destroy such goods while holding defaulters accountable.