The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, or SON for short, recently raised its concerns about the increase in substandard lubricant products in the nation. It warned that such solutions present considerable risks both to the Nigerian economy and consumers across the country.
The statutory body also unveiled that last year, it had confiscated and destroyed substandard and counterfeit goods valued at over 20 billion naira (10,582,276 pound sterling) during its continuing efforts to drive economic growth, trade facilitation and industrialisation.
Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunoso Okeke, SON’s Director General, voiced his concerns regarding substandard and counterfeit lubricants during a forum in Kano, held for maritime stakeholders. The event was focused on how important standardisation is to ensure safety and growth for businesses. Okeke warned those assembled about the prevalence of substandard and fake oils in the Nigerian market, and announced a naming and shaming campaign that SON is launching to target all involved in the illicit poor quality lubricant trade.
The Director General commented:
“Inferior lubricants compromise vehicle and machinery performance, leading to avoidable accidents, equipment failures and economic losses. We are committed to exposing those behind this menace and holding them accountable.”
To combat inferior copies of the lubricants they produce and supply, major manufacturers like Mobil have started using anti-counterfeiting features. Authentic lubricant products from grease to gas engine oil are tagged with secure graphic technology in the form of a scannable 2D code, and consumers can check they are buying the genuine article using the Scantrust application.
