ABUJA – Dr Joseph Odumodu, the Director-General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has called for public cooperation to curb the importation and use of inferior products in the country. Odumodu made the call during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday. He called for collective efforts in the fight against importation of fake products and counterfeits, adding that the fight could only be won with the support of all Nigerians. Odumodu held that such support for the agency’s efforts in the campaign against fake products could lead to the end of importation of fake products.
He said the use of inferior products affected the growth of the country’s economy adversely as it depreciated the value of companies and killed businesses.
“Most fire outbreaks in homes, offices and other places are due mainly to the use of fake electrical materials and this makes it necessary for us to check and look out for fake wires and bulbs in the markets.’’
He said the agency had presented a Bill to the National Assembly to empower it to seize and destroy any pirated products within three months and also prosecute the culprits. [eap_ad_1] Odumodu said the agency had started the implementation of zero tolerance campaign against fake products in the country and that this had led to holding meetings regularly with importers and other stakeholders.
He said they always embarked on campaigns, especially at Alaba International Market, Computer Villages in Lagos, Abuja, Onitsha and other main markets to sensitise dealers against fake products.
“Today, you have original and fake products displayed side by side with impunity in most markets, and the buyer decides, depending on his choice and purse.
“This is the reason why we are calling on all genuine companies, individuals and agencies importing products to collaborate with SON in the fight against fake products because it devalues our economy.
“It also negatively affects lives and we are trying our best to put a check on this and to wipe out the sale of inferior goods and products’’, he said. Odumodu said the nation loses N52 billion yearly to fake and substandard products, and that auto spare parts appeared to be taking the bigger chunk in terms of volume and value.
He said the agency would keep working with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and others to wage war against importers of fake drugs and products. (NAN)
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