The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raised a serious warning about the growing number of fake and low-quality goods being sold in markets around the country.

Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, SON’s Director General, blamed some importers for bringing in these harmful products. He called them economic saboteurs who harm both the economy and public safety.

This warning came as SON destroyed a large number of poor-quality goods like tyres, electric wires, spark plugs, and other unsafe products in Lagos. These items, worth billions of naira, were considered too dangerous for public use.

Mr. Manji Pious, a SON director representing Dr. Okeke, said the organisation is doing everything possible to stop fake products from entering Nigeria. He added that while destroying the products is not ideal, it is necessary to keep consumers safe.

Dr. Okeke said SON does not enjoy destroying seized items because it affects the country’s economy and foreign reserves. However, allowing such products in the market would endanger people’s lives and properties.

He stressed that the action shows SON’s strong commitment to safety, protecting buyers, and ensuring fair business practices across Nigeria.

The destruction of these fake goods also caused huge financial losses to the traders, who not only lost their imported goods but also the money they used to buy them.

SON is also trying to educate importers and traders. The agency is running awareness campaigns to help them understand the dangers of fake products and to encourage them to import only standard and safe items.

The destroyed products included fake tyres, spark plugs, steel doors, and electric cables. All of them failed safety tests and posed serious threats to Nigerians’ health and safety.