By Lucy Ogalue

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is intensifying efforts towards eliminating the circulation of substandard electrical products in the country.

The Director- General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a Stakeholders Sensitisation Forum for manufacturers, importers and vendors at the Zuba Electrical and Electronics Market on Monday in Abuja.

The theme of the event was “Driving Economic Growth in the Electrical/Electronics Sector through Standards and Quality Assurance.

Okeke was represented by Dr Marline Waziri, North Central Coordinator for SON.

He commended members of the Abuja Electrical Materials Dealers’ Welfare Association for their efforts towards ensuring standards in the subsector.

He applauded the association’s recent decision to prohibit the sale of fake and substandard electrical items among its members.

The director-general described the decision as a bold and patriotic move that aligned with SON’s mandate on standardisation and consumer protection.

“This engagement is particularly significant as it reflects our collective responsibility to ensure that only safe, quality and standard electrical materials are distributed and sold across Nigerian markets,” Okeke said.

He said that the workshop was designed to enlighten stakeholders on SON’s regulatory tools, including product registration, authentication and market surveillance strategies.

“These mechanisms help genuine businesses thrive, protect consumers and promote confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing ecosystem,” he said.

The SON boss also reiterated the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which he said promotes the patronage of locally made and approved products that meet quality benchmarks.

“By choosing standard electrical products, you are not only protecting lives and property but also strengthening local industries and boosting job creation,” he said.

The SON boss also reiterated the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which he said promotes the patronage of locally made and approved products that meet quality benchmarks.

“By choosing standard electrical products, you are not only protecting lives and property but also strengthening local industries and boosting job creation,” he said.

According to him, the collaborative initiative is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of substandard electrical and electronic products in Abuja and environs, while also improving compliance and revenue generation.

Okeke, however, said that the fight against fake products could not be shouldered by SON alone, calling on market leaders, distributors and consumers to join hands in upholding the values of quality and safety.

“The eradication of substandard products is not a task for SON alone. It requires the active partnership of stakeholders like you, dealers, distributors, consumers and the general public.

“Your understanding, cooperation and commitment are essential to safeguarding lives and property, boosting investor confidence, and enhancing the reputation of your businesses,” he said.

He urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and remain committed to the ongoing national campaign against substandard goods.

Mr Chike Nwasa, Vice President, Zuba International Electronic Market, urged the Federal Government to provide the dealers with guidelines on how to go about their business and ensure standardisation of products.

Nwasa also called for government intervention in the area of infrastructure, especially the access road to the market.

Mr Godwin Hassan, Secretary of the Association, expressed excitement over the sensitisation exercise, describing it as timely and enlightening for market stakeholders.

Hassan commended SON for engaging directly with traders to explain the difference between standard and substandard electrical products, which he said would help dealers make better-informed purchasing decisions.

The secretary called for sustained collaboration between SON and the association to curb the incidents of fire outbreaks and death in the country.

He urged the government and the media to intensify public awareness on the dangers of substandard products.

He reaffirmed the market’s commitment to supporting the fight against fake electrical goods and promoting quality standards across the country.
(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman