For failing laboratory test: SON destroys LPG cylinders, roofing sheets Worth N450m

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

For non compliance to standards, failing of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria(SON), laboratory test and not having SONCAP certificates, the agency has destroyed LPG Cylinders, roofing sheets and aluminium sheets worth over N450 million

The products said to have been imported from China and Turkey, according to SON includes; 4×40 containers of LPG Cylinders of various sizes, 15 rolls of aluminum roofing sheets, and 15 bundles of fake corrugated roofing sheets.

Aboloma

Addressing journalists at the destruction site at SON Warehouse, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Osita Aboloma, represented by Director, Compliance and Inspectorate , Engr. Obiora Manafa said the products were seized mostly in warehouses across Lagos State.

He however said destruction of the products is the only option available to SON, maintaining that the products if allowed to get into the market would no doubt constitute serious danger to the lives of unsuspecting Nigerians.

Aboloma said; “The products were sized due to non compliance to standards, failing of SON’s laboratory test and not having SONCAP certificates , which means that they are fake, not approved by SON for importation into Nigeria and not fit for use.

“We are not happy destroying people’s goods, because it cost huge money, but we cannot compromise to save money and endanger the lives of Nigerian citizens”

Non presence of SON at the ports he attributed to why it could not explain their countries of origin, he said: On how the product came into the country, he said: “Most of these products were discovered through SON raiding of warehouses and were found to be substandard. They did not come with SONCAP. And as you know SON is not in the ports , so it is difficult to really know from which source , seaports or border posts. Most of them came from.

“Mainly, when we raid their warehouses, they will abandoned the goods and flee, no documents to show from which port they really came from”. Also, the suspects disappear once we intercept the products, but we continue investigation to arrest them.

Manafa assured that the products will be sold to recycling firms and proceeds remitted to the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) after they have been destroyed.

In her comments, the Group Head, LPG SON, Engr. Nwaoma Olujie implored Nigerians to be wary of the LPG Cylinders they are buying in the market, saying what should be looked out for when buying are: Country of origin of the cylinder, address of the manufacturer and the date of manufacture.

She said, “Those are the most important features of a genuine cylinder, anyone that does not have them is fake.”

The lifespan of an LPG Cylinder is 15 years she reminded. “The period the cylinder lasted before you bought it inclusive,” she concluded.

Also speaking, Engr. Nwaoma Olujie, Group Head, LPG, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, urged Nigerians to be wary of the LPG Cylinders they are buying in the market, saying what should be looked out for when buying are: Country of origin of the cylinder, address of the manufacturer and the date of manufacture. “Those are the most important features of a genuine cylinder, anyone that does not have them is fake.

She further said that the lifespan of an LPG Cylinder is 15 years. “The period the cylinder lasted before you bought it inclusive.”