Abuja: 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, announced this initiative at a Stakeholders Sensitisation Forum for manufacturers, importers, and vendors at the Zuba Electrical and Electronics Market.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Okeke, represented by Dr. Marline Waziri, North Central Coordinator for SON, praised the Abuja Electrical Materials Dealers' Welfare Association for their commitment to 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, describing it as a bold move 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 stated. He highlighted that the workshop was designed to enlighten stakeholders on SON's regulatory tools, including product registration, authentication, and market surveillance strategies, which help genuine businesses thrive, protect consumers, and promote confidence in Nigeria's manufacturing ecosystem.
The SON boss reiterated the Federal Government's 'Nigeria First Policy,' promoting the patronage of locally made, approved products that meet quality benchmarks. He emphasized that choosing standard electrical products protects lives and property while strengthening local industries and boosting job creation. This collaborative initiative is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of substandard electrical and electronic products in Abuja and its environs, while also improving compliance and revenue generation.
Okeke noted that the fight against fake products could not be shouldered by SON alone, urging market leaders, distributors, and consumers to join in upholding quality and safety values. "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," he said.
Mr. Chike Nwasa, Vice President of the Zuba International Electronic Market, called on the Federal Government to provide guidelines to dealers on standardising products and improving infrastructure, particularly 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. He commended SON's direct engagement with traders to explain the differences between standard and substandard electrical products, aiding dealers in making better-informed purchasing decisions.
Hassan called for sustained collaboration between SON and the association to curb incidents of fire outbreaks and deaths in the country. He urged the government and the media to intensify public awareness of the dangers of substandard products and reaffirmed the market's commitment to supporting the fight against fake electrical goods, promoting quality standards nationwide.