In a renewed effort to rid Nigeria’s markets of life-threatening products, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has stepped up enforcement actions against the importation and circulation of substandard tyres.
The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, announced a new directive mandating stricter inspections and quality control checks at the ports and borders. He noted that unscrupulous importers often use deceptive tactics to smuggle in worn-out or expired tyres, posing grave safety threats to motorists across the country.
Dr. Okeke revealed that in recent raids conducted in Lagos, over 15 containers of expired tyres were seized, with culprits now facing prosecution. He warned importers to desist from endangering lives for profit, adding that SON is deploying advanced testing technology and collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service to trace and block the entry points.
The Head of SON’s Automotive Division, Engr. Musa Lawal, explained that most of the seized tyres were rebranded second-hand tyres from Asia, repackaged with falsified manufacturing dates. He urged consumers to be vigilant and verify product codes before making purchases.
Stakeholders have applauded SON’s efforts, but also called for more public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and dealers on the dangers of substandard tyres.
Dr. Okeke reaffirmed SON’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from avoidable road hazards, noting that quality assurance remains a core pillar of national safety and economic stability.
