The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged consumers across the country to check product certification marks before buying goods, warning that failure to do so can expose them to substandard and counterfeit items.
Certification marks are symbols placed on products to show that they meet the technical specifications and safety standards set by the regulator. When a mark is genuine, it indicates that the item has been tested and approved for use in the Nigerian market.
SON cautioned that counterfeit or substandard products often lack these marks, or display forged symbols, putting buyers at risk of poor performance, health hazards, or financial loss.
The agency, which is responsible for enforcing national standards, advised shoppers to verify the authenticity of certification marks by comparing them with official listings, looking for clear printing, and seeking receipts that confirm compliance.
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s consumer market is large and diverse, making vigilance essential. SON’s reminder underscores the importance of due diligence to protect both personal safety and the broader economy from the harms of inferior goods.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
