The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raised the alarm over the widespread circulation of fake and adulterated engine oil and lubricants across the country.
It warned that the trend poses grave threats to vehicle performance, industrial machinery, and Nigeria’s economic health.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop themed “Impact of Adulterated/Lubricating Engine Oil on Nigeria’s Economy” held in Osogbo on Wednesday, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, called for collective action from stakeholders to combat the menace.
“The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called for concerted efforts against the influx of adulterated lubricants and engine oil in the country,” Okeke said in a statement delivered on his behalf by Mr. Razak Oyewopo, the Osun State Coordinator of SON.
According to him, “Adulterated lubricants are a menace that extends beyond mere product quality and pose significant risks to vehicles, machinery, and ultimately, the economy.”
He noted that the implications of these substandard products are far-reaching, as they shorten engine lifespans, lead to frequent mechanical failures, and raise maintenance costs—factors that can cripple business operations and reduce national productivity.
“The use of poor-quality engine oil often leads to mechanical failure, downtime, and significant financial losses, particularly for businesses reliant on machinery and transportation,” Okeke said, stressing that the economic impact is particularly severe for a country working to rebuild and grow its economy.
He further emphasized that tackling the problem cannot be delayed, as the benefits of using certified lubricants extend well beyond engine protection.
“Using certified, good-quality lubricants does more than just protect engines and machines; it also helps build a strong, reliable, and productive economy,” he said.
Okeke also called for heightened consumer awareness and ethical responsibility among stakeholders in the lubricant industry. He urged dealers and manufacturers to commit to selling only certified and safe products.
Also speaking at the workshop, Mr. Tijjani Sahib, Chairman of the Engine Oil Lubricant Dealers Association in Osun State, commended SON for its proactive stance and urged members of the association to prioritise the sale and use of genuine engine oil.
In a keynote address, Mr. Sangosanya Olatunji, SON Coordinator for Ekiti State, underscored the advantages of using high-quality engine oil.
He noted that quality lubricants improve fuel efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, and extend oil drain intervals.
Olatunji appealed to manufacturers, dealers, and consumers to support SON in its regulatory mandate, stating that only through collective action can the Nigerian market be cleansed of substandard lubricants.