SON Clamps down on Substandard  LPG Cylinder Distributors

Crusoe Osagie
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has impounded six container loads of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders

Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, SON, Mr. Bede Obayi,  said the interception of the consignment was achieved with the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.

While conducting newsmen round the impounded consignment at SON Ogba Ware house, he said the gas cylinders of 12.5kgs and 6kgs and gas cookers and accessories were imported by Amaze Company from China

Obayi said although preliminary observation has shown that the company has unlawfully used SON logo on the brands without the agency approval.
“The importer falsified document and cheated to bring in the products without due process,’’ he said

He said SON would take a stringent action against the company to serve as deterrent to unscrupulous importers.

According to Obayi, SON is undertaking many efforts in sensitising Nigerians on substandard products generally and LPGs particularly on account of the critical nature, and the implication of substandard products on the economy.

“Safety is critical in cylinder manufacture and handling.  These are products, that starting from the cylinders to valves, burners, clips, regulators and hoses are critical in the chain. If any of these components is not the properly processed, you will have a problem.  Cracks on the pipes could mean leakages; if the regulator is not the right one, and it doesn’t regulate the gas, it will continue to flow and it could become a big problem”, he said, adding that it calls for more caution on the side of all manufacturers and importers,’’ he said.

He reassured Nigerians on the readiness of the agency to continue to safeguard lives and property.