SON uncovers syndicate factory adulterating lubricants in Lagos

Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

One Mr Chizoba Emmanuel alongside others have been arrested after they were found at the premises where the adulteration of syndicate lubricants are being produced.

They were caught by the Surveillance, Investigation and Monitoring (SIM), a unit of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) during a sting operation at number 25 Isoko Street Sunny Bus-stop, Ojo in the Alaba International Market area of Lagos State.

According to a statement issued by SON on Tuesday, the culprit was found with various drums of base oil and empty drums used to mix and repackage the substandard lubricants.

Speaking to journalists at the location, Director General SON Mallam Farouk Salim who was represented by the Coordinator SIM Unit, Mr Suleiman Isa described the discovery as shocking, stating that it is indeed a wake-up call for Nigerians and particularly the organisation that there is still work to be done.

According to him, despite SON’s several arrests in the past, deviant Nigerians still persist in the act of adulterating engine oil and selling to unsuspecting Nigerians destroying machinery and engines.

“SON will not relent in the ongoing fight against unscrupulous elements who persist in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians through their dubious acts,” he said.

The SON boss thereafter advised importers and local manufacturers to always do the right thing by upholding standards in all their undertakings, stating it will ensure a vibrant economy through the strengthening of businesses as they adhere to international best practices.

The DG, SON further assured that the Organisation will continue to intensify efforts to apprehend criminals perpetrating such acts through discreet information gathering and arrests as this will go a long way in ensuring that the country is rid of substandard products.

Salim, therefore, called on Nigerians to come up with useful information in supporting the battle against substandard products by reporting to SON any unwholesome practice in the manufacturing of products.

The SIM team carried out the operation alongside men of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigerian Police Force who apprehended the suspects caught in possession of used lubricant plastics, several cartons of two popular brands of engine oil and a repackaging machine.

The culprits are currently under arrest until further investigations are concluded.