The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) condemned the flooding of Nigerian markets with substandard products by importers. The Organisation also warned local manufacturers to desist from producing substandard products for the domestic market.
The Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop tagged: “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” which held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
Represented by the Director, Cooperate Affairs Department of SON, Mrs Talutu Athan, the DG noted that standards adherence and compliance remains a major way to attain economic and industrial growth.
He said the workshop was aimed at strengthening and deepening stakeholders/operators knowledge, understanding and co-operation with the organisation concerning standardisation activities for growing businesses.
“Today’s economy reputation is as important as Customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.
“For our goods to reach premium market which and beyond our boarders they must meet borders they must reach established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude it frustrate producers.
“SON is committed to the fight against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.
“We cannot do it alone, we need your support,. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.
“Standards are not rules from above they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success,” the SON boss said.
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Also speaking, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, Emeka Orajaka, said the Agency was committed to fight against fake and inferior products in the markets.
Orajaka, however pledged support to SON to get rid of substandard goods across the markets in the country.
He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taken them to the market.
A Resource Pearson, Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on the topic, “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” said the importance of using made in Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires could not be over-emphasised.
Ayanda described made in Nigeria cable as the best due to it resistance to fire.
“Nigeria cables are flame retardant. Its resistance to fire. All Nigeria cables has SON logos,” he stated.
State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, thanked all the stakeholders for support to its activities in the state.
Other stakeholders at the workshop include: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) among others.
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