'Destroy all substandard goods' - FG orders SON

yinka ogunlami

December 4, 2015 4:01 PM

The Federal Government of Nigeria ordered SON to bring the level of Substandard and forfeited goods to a new minimum.

Joseph Odumodu, Director General, SON

The Federal Government of Nigeria ordered SON (Standard Organization of Nigeria) to bring the level of Substandard and forfeited goods to a new minimum.

Joseph Odumodu, Director General of SON confirmed the news during a courtesy visit to the NAGAFF (National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders) on Wednesday. "Government issued a mandate to reduce the level of substandard goods to 15 percent by April 2016" Odumodu said. He also ensured that besides achieving the target set by the Government, the organization is very keen to bring down the percentage to zero levels in the near future.

Read: 15 OCED countries where poverty is most prevalent in retirees

Odumodu also added that SON destroyed N10 billion worth substandard goods in the last four years. It is known that the substandard andforfeited goods in Nigeria constitute up to 30 percent of the total lot at the end of October 2015. SON had been trying very hard to reduce the forfeited goods since very long time by creating awareness among the people to complain to the SON, if any substandard goods were sold to them.

The head of the SON observed thatthe greater influx of the illegal products is the main reason for this consequenceand the seized consignments outside the port will be destroyed immediately. He also advised the businessmen to strictly comply with the rules and If they fail to do so severe actions will be taken.

Read: One of India's wealthiest businessman on tax reforms

According to him,it is only through compliance to international standards that Nigeria can become an exporter of more processed agro-allied and manufactured products. The increasing investment in the National Quality Infrastructure components by SON such as standards development, testing laboratories, metrology institute, certification, accreditation service, conformity assessment and enforcement schemes is yielding extraordinary results.

Eugene Nweke, the President of NAGAFF said that Enlightenment platforms and strategic processes can help in solving all the problems encountered during cargo importation as well as cargo clearance. He also appreciated the role being played by SON in achieving high quality standards. He also stressed the need of organizing e-Product Registration and e-Provision Clearance Certification platforms.

yinka ogunlami