We Need to Return to Ports to Fight Influx of Substandard Goods , Says SON DG
The Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Osita Aboloma, has lamented the influx of substandard goods into the country, saying the only way out was for the agency to return to the ports to address the problem squarely.
Aboloma who spoke during a sensitisation programme for maritime stakeholders explained that it was only when the agency is in the ports that it would be able to effectively curtail such substandard imports into the country.
According to him, it was better to wait for such substandard goods at the points of entry, the seaports, instead of chasing them all over the places in Nigeria.
He said, “It is important to note that non-involvement of SON at some Ports in the country’s operations has continued to pose challenges particularly to the agency’s compliance and monitoring units. It is easier to fight the influx of substandard products at the points of entry than chasing them around all over the country in markets, warehouses, etc.”
Aboloma who was represented by the Director of Operation and Compliance, Engr. Obiora Manafa, said over 75 per cent of the products imported into Nigeria daily, monthly or yearly come via the seaports and waterways.
He also said the sensitization programme for stakeholders in the industry was imperative , adding that the maritime sector operators cannot be ignored in the quest for zero imports for substandard and unwholesome products and government’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Policy.
He explained that the idea of requesting for compliance was mainly to maintain standard and not intended to destroy people’s businesses.
He recalled that SON had earlier this month destroyed N480 million worth of substandard mobile phones.
He also said late last year, the organisation destroyed 5000 fake gas cylinders valued at N51.3 million.
The President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike, disclosed that cumulatively, imported substandard goods has cost his members a loss of over N20 billion yearly.
According to him, “This task is daunting but we are not relenting because customs brokers have suffered an estimated cumulative losses amounting to over N20 billion in the last ten years for undertaking to clear goods discovered to be substandard; over N2 billion yearly.
“Let me put it clearly, that upon seizure of suspected fake or substandard goods after payment of duty, it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for an importer, whose consignments were seized to pay you the balance of the agreed sum even after the broker has spent his money on the logistics.
“This is just a mild analogy of the costly price we as professionals are paying to achieve standards and build an enduring economy that will be beneficial to all.”
He said that the efforts of SON in checking substandard goods may appear harsh but targeted at preventing death, injuries and pains.
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