News
Nigeria losses N15 billion annually to fake products – SON
By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
The Director General of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Anthony Osita Aboloma, has warned that substandard tyres cause economic losses when they result to accidents leading to destruction of goods and loss of human lives, just as he urged the tyre dealers to be wary of substandard tyres as they pose a risk to human lives.
Speaking during a seminar organized by (SON), to sensitize manufacturers and importers on PAM logo held at the Development Exchange Center (DEC), Bauchi, Mr. Osita announced that 80 percent of imported products into Nigerian Markets are fake products, stressing that Nigeria ranked among the highest importers of fake products in the World and call for change with a view to rid the Country of the menace.
SON, Boss said Nigeria lost over N15 billion annually to fake and substandard products.”Lives continued to be lost in road accidents when substandard tyres imported from Asia burst on high speed and vehicles either Summersault or swerve to other vehicles on highway.”
Represented by the Gombe state Coordinator of SON, Alhaji Umar Yakubu said the organisation was established to ensure compliance of locally manufactured and imported goods.
Other activities of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria according to the DG include Registration and regulation of standard marks and specifications as well as development of standards for products and services among others.
Also speaking the Bauchi State Coordinator of SON Engineer Hauwa Mohammed Husseini said the objective of the seminar was to “bring together relevant stakeholders in building effective collaboration and enlightenment campaign towards protection of genuine manufacturers and importers from faking or adulterating of their products”.
She said an effort to further ensure quality products in the Nigerian markets; Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled its Product Authentication Mark (PAM) Logo.
While highlighting some of the adverse effect substandard products have on the lives, properties and economy of unsuspected Nigerians, Engr. Husseini said “SON, as a standardization body has put in place several measures such as Conformity Assessment Program (SONCAP), Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program (MANCAP), E-PRODUCT Registration etc towards ensuring production, importation and sales of quality products in Nigerian markets”.
According to Husseini, the sensitization seminar on PAM Logo is also to enable participants to key into the laudable government policy that is intended to protect businesses,”I implore all the manufacturers and importers to embrace the Product Authentication Mark (PAM) as an additional measure to secure your products”, she implored.
“Do not purchase any product without the Product Authentication Mark (PAM) seal” saying the initiative by SON is to help protect the manufacturers, sellers and buyers from the danger of substandard and fake products” “this is to regulate and make sure that all products are genuine and meet required standard.” she said
Some of the tyre dealers who spoke to The Triumph expressed joy at the sensitisation, adding that they were now better equipped with information on how to identify substandard tyres.
A participant Mr. Emmanuel Ikegbo who also serves as the Secretary of New Auto Spare Parts Association said the seminar had served as an eye opener with the introduction PAM Logo because “henceforth, when we go to the market to buy products, we will be on the lookout for the PAM logo that will tell us that it is a genuine product.”
The seminar attracted participants in the manufacturing and import sectors from North East geopolitical zone, relevant MDAs and security agencies.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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