The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Sunday disclosed that it impounded N150 million worth of substandard goods in five southwest states in 2016.
SON added that the confiscated goods seized in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun States included used tyres, electrical appliances and food items.
The SON Southwest Regional Coordinator, Oyenike Owoyele, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo, said that the confiscation was done during operations in the states.
Owoyele warned that the agency would not compromise in ensuring quality life through quality assurance and standardisation of products across the country, just as she said importers and manufacturers must adhere to the code of practice and standard for the good of Nigerians.
She added the manufacturers must comply with the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), put in place by SON to ensure that local products conform to relevant industrial standards.
According to her, over the years, lack of conformity assessment programme covering all products manufactured in Nigeria has prevented fair competition and distinction between quality and sub-standard products.
“This deprives both genuine manufacturers and consumers the opportunity and value for money for goods and services provided in Nigeria.’’
She appealed to importers and manufacturers in the country to always follow approved standards in production and importation.
Owoyele disclosed that the agency had trained and registered more than 600 agro-allied industries in the region on economic diversification.
“The training is done to ensure that the abundance agro-production in the country are no longer wasted but converted to products that can be used locally and for export.’’
