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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has destroyed over 230 bags of expired sugar and other substandard consumables valued at approximately ₦25 million in Kaduna. This action is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and ensure product quality.
The destroyed items included soft drinks, milk, tomato paste, insecticides, and various other expired or unsafe products seized during enforcement operations across the North-West region.
During the destruction exercise at a designated site outside the Kaduna metropolis, Mr. Adamu Ahmed, SON’s Deputy Director for the North-West Region, stated that the products did not meet the agency’s quality and safety standards. “We are here today to eliminate substandard products that do not comply with the required standards. Their destruction is intended to protect consumers from unknowingly using items that could jeopardize their health,”
Ahmed said.
He elaborated that all 230 bags of sugar had expired and failed laboratory conformity tests, making them unsafe for public consumption.
Ahmed emphasized that this operation aligns with SON’s mission to protect lives through standardization and quality assurance. “This destruction sends a strong message to manufacturers, importers, and distributors that we will not compromise on quality. These substandard products pose a clear danger to consumers,” he asserted.
He noted that the confiscation followed SON’s rigorous conformity assessment process and stressed that the agency would continue enforcing compliance to build consumer confidence and protect the Nigerian market.
Ahmed expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, NSCDC, NESREA, Kaduna Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA), and the Kaduna State Government for their support.
Mr. Hena Dangari, State Coordinator of NESREA, also spoke, praising SON’s ongoing commitment to protecting consumers from unsafe goods. “This exercise showcases effective inter-agency collaboration to safeguard public health and the environment,” Dangari stated, encouraging Nigerians to report suspicious products to regulatory authorities.
He additionally warned against the continued use of single-use plastics, labeling them as significant contributors to environmental degradation, flooding, and erosion.
Dangari mentioned that NESREA is collaborating with other regulatory bodies to enforce the national ban on single-use plastics in both public and private sectors. Similarly, Mr. Yahya Victor, General Manager of KEPA, represented by Mrs. Thelma Peters, commended SON for involving state agencies in its operations.
“We share the same mission of protecting public health, ensuring safety, and promoting environmental sustainability,” Victor remarked.
He reaffirmed KEPA’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with SON and other environmental agencies to ensure a cleaner and safer Kaduna.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)?
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is responsible for ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards to protect consumers and promote public health.
Why were the products destroyed?
The products were destroyed because they were expired and failed laboratory tests, making them unsafe for public consumption.
How does SON ensure compliance with safety standards?
SON conducts rigorous conformity assessments and enforcement operations to ensure that manufacturers, importers, and distributors comply with safety standards.
