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  • SON pledges to ensure products in Anambra meet standard quality

    SON pledges to ensure products in Anambra meet standard quality

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it will ensure that products in Anambra markets meet all necessary approvals and right quality before going to the open market.

    Mr Olalekan Omoniyi, Coordinator of SON in Anambra gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.

    Omoniyi said he was already meeting with importers and manufacturers in the state as part of the advocacy campaign towards achieving the goal.

    He said that through subjecting to SON Product Registration Scheme, the quality could be tested for conformity before going to the open market and monitored while in circulation.

    He described Anambra markets as `strategic’ and pledged that SON would work with importers and manufacturers to ensure the state became a destination for sourcing quality goods.

    “A major challenge we have here is that most importers and manufacturers do not register their products; this is not good for them as brand owners.

    “Our target is to ensure that we improve on the level we meet in the state this year, by ensuring that all products in Anambra whether produced or imported are duly registered and of the right quality.

    “This will protect the brands for manufacturers and importers as well as ensure value for consumers’ money and also make the state a preferred destination for authentic source of materials.

    “We are currently interfacing with stakeholders as part of advocacy drive but after a while will go into full enforcement,” he said.

    Omoniyi said SON in Anambra would take special interest in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder manufacturers to ensure they have the standard processes and did not pose danger to the society.

    He applauded the manufacturers of lubricants who subjected their products to SON regulatory processes and approval, adding that they were some of the best in the world.

    “From available records, there have been issues with LPG cylinders produced here because they are manufactured without adhering to industrial standard.

    “I am proud to say that most lubricants manufactured here are certified and can compare with those produced in any location in the world,” he said.

    The coordinator said the organisation has presence in most markets in the state and called on those whose products have been counterfeited to report to their office for prompt action. (NAN)

  • Gas explosion :SON to prosecute importers, manufacturers, distributors of substandard LPG cylinders

    Gas explosion :SON to prosecute importers, manufacturers, distributors of substandard LPG cylinders

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it will prosecute importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and other products as provided by law.The Director General (DG) SON, Osita Aboloma gave the warning  on Tuesday during a visit the scene of Gas explosion at Sabo Tasha, Kaduna, in which six people lost their lives.The News Agency  of Nigeria  (NAN)  reports that the DG was represented by Engr. Nwaoma Olujie,  Group Head  LPG at SON.NAN also reports that Aboloma also paid   condolence to  Kaduna State Government over the sad incident.“We are determined to ensure diligent prosecution of importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard  LPG cylinders and other products as provided in SON Act No. 14 of 2015,” he said.Aboloma said the management of SON received the sad news of the gas explosion with deep sorrow, adding that the organisation commiserate with families of the victims as well as the people and government of Kaduna state.He explained that such avaidable explosion was one too many, noting that, “If only the necessary safety measures and precautions were put in place by the gas vendors, the disaster will not have occurred.“It is necessary that we once again reiterate our recent warning to dealers and consumers, on the safe use of LPG and other gas cylinders.“This repeat warning is in view of recent explosions around the country  occasioned by wrong handling of the products.”The DG urged dealers and consumers to patronise only SON certified LPG and other gas cylinders with the appropriate marking “in order to safeguard our homes, offices and surroundings from  avoidable accidents from substandard cylinders.”“Our officers in 42 offices across the nation have been directed to inspect all LGP plants and ensure the certification or re-certification of all installed vassels as the case may be.“The full weight of law shall be brought to bear on any plant and owner who fail to comply with this mandatory requirement of SON Act,” Aboloma added.He therefore warned importers of LGP and other gas cylinders to adhere strictly to SON established  procedure for the importation of the product.He added that dealers and consumers must look out for mandatory embossed marking on all imported LGP cylinders as specified in the Nigeria Industrial Standard.“Furthermore, for certified locally manufactured LGP cylinders we wish  to advise dealers and users to look  out for SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) logo and numbers in addition to the markings specified for the imported products.”Aboloma disclosed that the life span of LGP cylinders in Nigeria is 15 years during which the cylinders must be requalified twice every five years.“SON has put in place a rigorous procedure for the certification of imported and locally  manufactured LGP cylinders for use in Nigeria to guarantee safety and durability of the product.”He warned all LGP dispensing plants to ensure due certification of their vessels as provided by SON.The Kaduna State Commissioner  of Internal Security and Home Affair,  Mr Samuel  Aruwan who received the SON delegation on behalf  of the government, expressed  appreciation for commiserating with the state on the sad incident.Aruwan said the government had given directive to close all retailers refiling gas in residential and high risk  areas.“We  have also set up committee to identify the areas to relocate them for the safety of lives and property.“Our doors are open for partnership for the benefit of the public,” he said.NAN reports that the Acting Director of  Operations,  SON,  Mr Dauda Yakubu and other seniors officers were among the delegation. (NAN)