FG, China join to haunt down makers, importers of deadly substandard products
The federal government through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has consummated an international understanding to blacklist, prosecute about seven Nigerian importers and Chinese manufacturers of substandard and life-endangering products into Nigeria from China.
The development stemmed from the ongoing drive by the agency to fight dumping of substandard and life-endangering products into the country.
Explaining more in an interview, Director General of SON, Chief Osita Aboloma, revealed that the new wave of action took precedence from a number of substantive court orders already procured in that regard.
Some of the affected importers include Awulu Investment Nigeria Limited, Doncas Associate Nigeria Limited, Britto International Commercial Industrial Limited, GNCSP Global Services, Ike and Sons Enterprises, Kumara Global Limited, and Chudon Global Impex Limited.
In a letter to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, sighted by Business Hilights Abuja Bureau chief, SON averred that the listed companies have become merchants of deaths as their activities have created more problems than solving in the nation’s spare parts and general goods markets.
Aboloma made it clear to the envoy that “Unless immediate steps are taken to arrest the situation, incurable reputational damage would be done to the Government and People of China. “We are of the view that every step necessary should be taken to prevent them from jeopardising the excellent trade and cultural relationship between the Government and Peoples of China and Nigeria”.
SON added that “Nigeria has had cause to apprehend and prosecute some Chinese nationals involved in the importation of substandard and life-endangering products and we have also destroyed several substandard products seized from some of the listed Chinese companies worth several millions of Naira.” However, he maintained that the measures appear not enough to deter the non-compliant persons and has therefore sought the Chinese Government’s collaboration in ensuring that these companies are equally blacklisted in China and prevented from exporting to Nigeria”.
Manufacturing stakeholders who spoke with our correspondent in Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers’ Association (ASPMDA), Lagos International Trade Fair observed that cases of substandard products are on the rise, but due to the strong checks put in place by the market management led by Chief Dr. Daniel Offorkansi, such importers have parked out of the market.
They revealed that worst aspect of the fakery include substandard tyres, brake pads, engine oil and several other industrial products. They also queried the preparedness and seriousness of SON in truly tracking the importation, but hailed the agency for the latest move in getting court orders and taking them up with the Chinese ambassador.
