SON Destroys Unsafe Imported Goods in Nationwide Crackdown on Substandard Products

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has destroyed a large quantity of inferior imported goods, including spark plugs, steel doors, electrical cables, and tires, following a quality assessment that found they failed to meet Nigeria’s minimum safety and quality standards.

The agency, in a statement released this week, confirmed the action was carried out in accordance with its legal authority under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which empowers it to regulate, monitor, and enforce product standards for all goods sold in the country.

“We Will Not Tolerate Dangerous Goods”, DG Okeke.

Speaking on the operation, SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke said the destruction exercise is a clear signal to importers, manufacturers, and distributors that Nigeria will not be a dumping ground for hazardous or low-grade products.

“As an agency, we take our responsibility seriously, and today’s action is a clear demonstration of our resolve to rid the market of dangerous, unregulated goods,” Dr. Okeke stated.
“This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders from producers to consumers that SON will not allow substandard goods to thrive in Nigeria.”

The products were confiscated and destroyed after failing rigorous quality tests meant to protect public health, consumer safety, and infrastructure integrity.

Dr. Okeke raised special concern over expired or poorly stored tires, warning that such products pose a serious road safety risk.

“Tires have a shelf life of just four years. After that, they become brittle and are prone to sudden blowouts that cause fatal accidents,” he said.

He added that exposure to high temperatures, poor storage conditions, and long shipping times often degrade imported tires before they even reach Nigerian consumers, making enforcement of expiration checks and quality control non-negotiable. 

To strengthen public participation in product regulation, SON urged consumers to report any suspicious or low-quality goods through official channels.

“If you see something substandard, report it to the nearest SON office or call our toll-free hotline,” Okeke advised.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating fake, unsafe, and counterfeit goods from Nigerian markets while calling on importers and local businesses to prioritize quality compliance.