The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken decisive action against a large volume of imported goods deemed unsafe for Nigerian consumers.
In its latest enforcement operation, the agency destroyed substandard products including tyres, electrical cables, steel doors, and spark plugs, all of which failed to meet the country’s required safety and quality benchmarks.
The items, worth several billions of naira, were publicly destroyed to demonstrate SON’s commitment to removing potentially harmful goods from circulation. According to the agency, this operation follows the responsibilities assigned to it under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which gives it the legal backing to inspect, regulate, and remove products that fall below national standards.
Speaking during the event, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, noted that the destruction exercise was necessary to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. He pointed out that substandard tyres, in particular, are a major risk on the country’s roads.
According to him, “tires, whether new or old, expire after four years and can burst, causing accidents if used beyond their shelf life.” He also warned that tyres must be stored properly, adding that high temperatures can degrade their quality even before use.
Dr. Okeke further advised consumers to stay alert and report any suspected low-quality goods to the nearest SON office. He said the agency has a toll-free line available for public use and called on everyone—from importers to retailers—to comply with standard regulations.
He stated: “As an agency, we take our responsibility seriously, and today’s action is a clear demonstration of our resolve to rid the market of dangerous, unregulated goods that undermine the safety, health, and security of our citizens.”
“This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders from producers to consumers that SON will not allow substandard goods to thrive in Nigeria.”
