The National Orientation Agency has expressed concern over the influx of substandard goods into Nigerian markets.
The Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu stated this when he received a team of the Institute of Quality Assurance of Nigeria, led by his Chief Executive Officer, Professor Victor Akpan.
He urged the Standard Organization of Nigeria to wield the big stick and live up to expectation to its mandate to rid the country of fake and substandard products.Mallam Issa-Onilu represented by the Director, Special Duties and Zonal Coordination, Mr David Akoji ,said the infiltration of fake and substandard products into the Nigerian market an reached an alarming rate, posing serious threat to both the lives of citizens and the growth of the economy.
The NOA Director General hinted that many fatal road accidents had been traced to the use of fake spare parts.While describing the worrisome trend as a violation of international best practices, he said the sales of counterfeit products should be treated as a criminal offence as practiced in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
”I commend the Institute of Quality Assurance of Nigeria for linking quality assurance with national values such as the duty of care . But I will like the institute to take its advocacy beyond theory, actively engaging with the Standard Organization of Nigeria and market stakeholders.
In a remark, the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Quality Assurance of Nigeria, Professor Victor Akpan restated the Institute’s commitment to partnering the National Orientation Agency.
He gave an assurance to support the agency with technical assistance, training and membership opportunities for its senior staff.
