Represented by Mrs. Margaret Eshiett, the Director, Business Support Services SON, DR. Osita Aboloma, SON’s Director General, affirmed that The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has concluded its plans to commence the implementation of products authentication scheme before the year 2017 runs out. This was revealed at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) during SON’s special day.
Prior to this reveal, a large consignment of suspected unfortified and substandard sugar and flour based products were confiscated in several locations in the North East by SON’s enforcement team. The enforcement teams conducted an extensive search after reports of smuggling and circulation of large consignments of unfortified sugar and flour based products (labeled; Coplasca, Arapora, Usina Santa Isabel, Cooper and Copersucar brands, Nardini, USJ Ajoao, Carolo, Chief’s choice, Riboca, Serina and safina, etc) across the country. The state where such goods were confiscated include; Yobe, Borno, Sokoto, Adamawa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, and Kano.
The products authentication scheme, according to Dr. Aboloma is aimed at addressing and tackling the issue of products cloning and adulteration. He strongly believes that the implementation of this scheme will “drive away product faking, support zero-tolerance for substandard products and ultimately promote quality certified products from Nigeria”.
Commending SON for a great job, the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Nike Akande said;
“The menace of sub-standard products has consistently rendered our locally produced goods uncompetitive in terms of cost production and pricing. We congratulate the management of SON in combating fake products and enhancement of product quality through standards, training and certification of products and services”
Dr Aboloma is of the opinion that standardization activities and products certification remain the keys to improving Nigerian product competitiveness in the local and international market. Without doubt, the successful implementation of the product authentication scheme will do Nigeria a whole world of good.
