From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), yesterday, sensitised over 400 motor spare parts dealers in Enugu State on the need to ensure the products they sell are up to the required standard.
The traders, for the one-day sensitisation in Coal Camp Spare Parts Dealers cluster in Enugu, were drawn from various market associations, including tyre, battery, engine parts and vehicle accessories among others.
Declaring the sensitisation open, Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, said there was no better time than now to sensitise importers, exporters and traders of products on the enormous benefits of standardisation of their products.
Salim, who was represented by Francis Onyeji, the SON state Coordinator, stated that around the world, standardisation is recognised as a powerful tool for an increase in productivity.
He noted that the sensitisation was for the purpose of creation and improvement of awareness on mandates of SON and how the agency can assist businesses to grow to international brands within Enugu State and the entire South East.
“Quite a lot has been done in the area of quality regulations and enforcement of compliance to requirements but more still needs to be done to reduce the production and circulation of substandard products through standardisation and conformity assessment activities.
“The organisation, under my watch, has been and will continue to sensitise importers, exporters, traders, consumers and all stakeholders on issues that can facilitate international trade and at the same time prevent Nigeria becoming a dumping ground of substandard products from other countries.
“By this act, SON is simply stating it is taking the work of standardisation and quality assurance to the doorsteps of operators,” he said.
Chairman of Kano Street Spare Parts Traders Association, John Omekagu, lauded SON for the sensitisation and the humane and enlightened way they had been carrying out their activities.
Omekagu noted that SON, notwithstanding their enormous powers, had carried traders and everyone along and to ensure “we understand the great benefits in maintaining truth and standard in the product we are selling to members of the public especially motorists.”
Speaking, Friday Nwobodo, who represented Enugu State Tyre Dealers Association, said the sensitisation had been impactful and there was a need to collaborate with SON for calibration of their various tools to ensure international standards.
Chairman of Enugu State Spare Parts Dealers, Christian Ngwoke, lamented the menace of fake imported spare parts; adding that SON should start from the wharf to block such products and ensure they do not enter Nigeria markets.
The participants were presented with SON certificates.