The Standard Organization of Nigeria is failing in its mandate to investigate and enforce the standard of quality products in the Nigerian domestic market and to create value for money for products manufactured in or imported into the country,the House of Representatives has said.
The motion containing the resolution was brought by Hon. Chike John Okafor, wherein the House noted that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is vested with the powers to seize and confiscate sub-standard or counterfeit products manufactured or imported into the country
It notedthat the organization is vested with supervisory and prosecutorial power against
importers, manufacturers and producers of counterfeit products into the domestic market of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The lawmakers also said the overwhelming number of fake products including electrical, electronics, household appliances and equipment, building materials, and automobile parts has become a menace in the country.
It said the proliferation of sub-standard products creates a disincentive to investments and local production, which negatively affects the country’s economy as foreign investors and Nigerian entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to the economy are closing down due to their inability to compete with fake and sub-standard products dumped into Nigeria.
The House said counterfeit goods are dangerous to health as people died as a result of using substandard products in the country.
It expressed concern that the recurring tragedy of collapsed buildings has mostly been linked to the use of substandard building materials and most vehicular accidents have been attributed to sub-standard mechanical parts and tires imported into the country.
It added:”Goods produced or imported into Nigeria should be of a standard that does not put lives at risk, encourages local industries and foreign investments into Nigeria and provides value for money”.
The House mandated the Committees on Commerce and Industry to investigate the proliferation of substandard products in Nigeria with a view to taking proactive measures to curb the situation and report within three weeks for further legislative action
