Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has condemned the flooding of Nigerian markets with substandard products by importers.
The Agency also warned local manufacturers to resist from flooding the nation’s markets with substandard products
The Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, stated this at a one-day Stakeholders workshop tagged, “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation,” in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.
He said that substandard items are not good for a growing economy.
Represented by Mrs Talutu Athan, Director, Cooperate Affairs Department of SON, Mr Okeke noted that sandards adherence and compliance remain 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 (sic) reputation is as important as Customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.
“For our goods to reach premium market and beyond our boarders they must meet established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to frustrate producers.
“SON is committed to fight against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers are 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.
“SON has toll free lines that one can contact in terms of substandard goods.”
Also speaking, Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, said the Agency was committed to fight against fake and inferior products in the markets.
Orajaka, however, pledged support to SON to get rid off 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 taking them to the market.
A Resource Person, Mr 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.
“Nigerian cables are flame retardant. They are resistant to fire. All Nigeria cables has SON logos,” he stated.
Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, 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.
