SON destroys fake gas cylinders, tyres worth over N300 million
By Silas Onuoha :
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has seized and destroyed fake gas cylinders, as well as substandard tyres estimated at a monetary value of over N300 million.
Destruction of the seized items took place at SON’s ware house, yesterday in Lagos.
The exercise was supervised by the Director General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, along with the Director, Inspectorate/Compliance Directorate, Engr Obiora Manafa and other Enforcement Officers of SON.
Addressing reporters at the scene of destruction, the SON DG, explained that the seized items failed to meet the minimum requirement of Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS).
Taking Reporters round special areas where the items were kept, he said, “The destruction of these products becomes necessary because of the dangers associated with them. These products are not safe for the end-users.”
According to him, the agency is working tirelessly to curtail influx of fake and substandard goods into the country.
He stressed, “SON is increasing its surveillance and intelligence to checkmate influx of substandard goods, while restating commitment to zero tolerance for substandard products.
“As you can see, the destruction of these substandard goods is taking place in environmentally friendly manner, because we do not want to pollute the environment.
“Also we must ensure that everything recyclable will be recycled properly.
We are looking at N300 million worth of goods being destroyed and it is just an estimate.
“We discovered that about six containers of tyres were stuffed together as shown here. The cylinders were seized from different sources. There are still more products waiting for court order to be destroyed. We cannot just destroy seized items on our own without court order.”
Responding to questions on its readiness for African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) Agreement, on the aspect of enforcing standards, he informed, “We are fully prepared and will work in synergy with other agencies of government to ensure that only standard goods are allowed into the country”.
In his remarks, Engr Manafa, emphasised that the agency is intensifying its sensitisation programmes to enlighten the Public on the health hazards of substandard goods.
The DG of SON addressing Reporters at the scene
Seized gas cylinders
Seized tyres
