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The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned vehicle tyre dealers to desist from selling substandard ones in its efforts to promote road safety.
As part of the campaign to eliminate the circulation of substandard tyres across the nation, SON held a Tyre Stakeholders’ Forum at Apo Mechanic Village on Thursday. The forum, themed “Tyre Awareness – A National Imperative,” served as a platform for discussing the importance of maintaining quality standards in the tyre industry.
Speaking at the event, the organisation’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasised the need for dealers to ensure that only high-quality tyres reach consumers.
“As a retailer, you have to select the type of tires you are going to sell to consumers. Enough of substandard tyres,” Okeke stated.
Represented by Dr. Marilyn Waziri, Director of SON’s North Regional Zone, Okeke further elaborated on the dangers posed by substandard tyres, especially in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With the AfCFTA, it means that you can also export your tyres to any country (in the continent) of your choice. And their own tyres will come into this country. So if now we continue on substandard tyres, and their own comes, it will keep our own out of the market,” he explained.
Okeke reassured traders that the initiative against substandard tyres is not intended to jeopardize their businesses but rather to enhance road safety and competitiveness within the market.
“We have been deliberating, even at the national level, on how we can make sure that we reduce the level of substandard tyres that are coming into the country. We are not trying to push you out of business,” he added.
SON plans to expand its sensitization initiative to various regions across the country, focusing on collaboration with tyre dealers to ensure that only certified products are available for sale.
On his part, SON’s FCT Coordinator, Gamagira Isiaka, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by substandard tyres, stating that they have significant impact on transportation safety.
“The DG has serious concerns on fake and substandard products, especially tyres, that we should sensitize tyre dealers,” he noted.
Chairman of the Abuja Automobile Dealers Association, Mr. Samuel Akah, commended SON for the initiative and assured that dealers would comply with all stipulated measures to ensure tyre quality. He also praised SON’s leadership under Okeke for fostering a cooperative relationship with traders.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force, among others, and included a presentation on proper tyre preservation and related issues by Mr. Adetoyi Adeyinka.
