Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director General, said this growing trend is harming both consumers and honest producers. He spoke through Mrs. Talutu Athan at a workshop held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He explained that poor-quality products damage the country’s economy and put lives at risk. He urged both importers and local manufacturers to stop selling inferior goods. Dr. Okeke also stressed that following proper standards is the only way to build strong businesses that last.

He told the audience that standards are not made to make life hard for producers. Instead, they help products compete better, both locally and internationally. He said the goal of the workshop was to teach business owners how standardisation can help them grow.

He warned that one person selling fake goods hurts everyone in the market, including those doing honest work. He asked for support from the public and business owners, saying SON cannot tackle the problem alone. He reminded the audience that SON has toll-free lines where people can report substandard products.

Mr. Emeka Orajaka from NAFDAC also attended. He said his agency is fully committed to helping SON clear out fake goods from markets across Nigeria. He urged producers to certify their products before putting them on the shelves.

A guest speaker, Mr. Lawal Ayanda, highlighted the importance of using Nigerian-made goods. He said locally made electrical cables are some of the best, noting their fire-resistant quality and clear SON labels.

Mrs. Maryrose Ugwueche, who leads SON in Ebonyi, thanked all stakeholders for their support. Officers from the police, immigration service, and road safety corps also joined the event.

The post SON Fights Back as Fake Goods Flood Nigerian Markets appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Speaking ahead of a national conference on the building sector set for November 12, 2024, at the Nigerian Airforce Conference Centre in Abuja, Ifeanyi Okeke, Director General of SON, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between public and private sector professionals to enhance the quality and safety of construction practices in Nigeria.

According to Foluso Bolaji, Director of the Public Relations Department, who shared the DG’s remarks, the conference’s theme, “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building Sector,” is timely.

Okeke noted that the gathering aims to unite leading industry figures to reimagine the building sector, placing safety, sustainability, and growth at the forefront.

“We value the participation of every professional and stakeholder. Their contributions will be crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges and recurrent issues within the building and construction subsectors,” Okeke stated, underscoring the potential impact of collective insights in enhancing construction standards.

The conference, according to SON, is expected to support the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda focused on ensuring affordable, safe, and high-quality housing. Okeke expressed optimism that the ideas shared would drive effective collaboration and spur greater investment in Nigeria’s building industry, which in turn, would stimulate economic growth and create new employment opportunities in the sector.

With SON championing the need for strict adherence to standard practices, this national conference is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting safe and sustainable development across Nigeria’s construction landscape.

The post SON Advocates Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration for Safer Construction Standards appeared first on Housing TV Africa.