SON Impounds Substandard Gas Cylinders At Apapa Port

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) said it has impounded a four-foot container load of substandard second-hand cylinders at Apapa Port, Lagos, southwest, Nigeria.

Disclosing this to journalists, SON’s Head of Enforcement, Mr. Suleiman Isa, said though the agency has not been able to ascertain the actual value of the seized goods, that they are worth several billions of naira.

Mr. Suleiman Isa said that the goods were disguised during importation as used bicycles, television sets and toys.

He advised members of the public not to patronise second-hand goods, adding that they could lead to explosion and destruction of lives and properties.

“We are worried that an importer could import items that are injurious to the lives and properties of other innocent citizens all in the name of making profits,” he said.

He noted that the impounded items would be destroyed after all necessary paper works have been completed.

Isa urged the importers and manufacturers to adhere strictly to the guidelines of Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme and SON Conformity Assessment Programme to rid the country of substandard products. He called for total compliance with the scheme to achieve the desired benefits, adding that it would aid the government’s destination inspection objective.

“SON only destroys goods that are dangerous to lives and properties and cannot be rectified such as food items, cables, fake textiles and candles, among others,” he said.

He added that the organisation had been strengthened under the leadership of Mr. Joseph Odumodu, the new Director-General of the agency, towards curbing the influx of substandard items at various border posts through proper surveillance.

“But, if importers are able to do the right thing and import quality goods, we do not have to spend hard earned money to destroy them. I appeal to importers to import standard goods to safeguard the lives of fellow citizens.”