Kogiflame
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians about the dangers posed by fake batteries and misleading product labels, especially within the battery and solar power markets.
At a sensitization workshop held at SON’s office in Ilorin, Kwara State, experts urged Nigerians to prioritize quality assurance to ensure consumer safety and bolster the nation’s energy sector.
Facilitating the session, Engineer Ibukun Alasan, discussed the theme “Driving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Battery/Solar Power Sector to 100%,” emphasizing the risks associated with substandard batteries.
“When labels mislead users, it leads to improper maintenance and damages the product,” Alasan cautioned, stressing that using low-capacity batteries for high-energy needs can lead to malfunctions and severe safety hazards.
She advised Nigerians to verify the SON quality seal on battery products as a marker of authenticity and safety.
Another speaker, Habibullahi Abdullahi, highlighted the necessity of quality solar accessories to propel Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.
“As stakeholders—manufacturers, regulators, and consumers—we must urgently work together to set stringent quality standards and regulatory frameworks,” he stated, encouraging joint efforts to maintain product integrity.
Representing SON’s Director General, Kwara State Coordinator Ayeni Feyisayo highlighted the broader effects of substandard products on productivity and well-being.
“If people cannot reliably power their equipment, it impacts their mental clarity, efficiency, and overall welfare,” he noted, calling for responsible practices in both production and consumption.
SON reiterated its commitment to enforcing standards and cautioned vendors against selling counterfeit products, warning that defaulters would face severe penalties.
The agency also urged workshop participants to apply the knowledge gained to protect Nigeria’s battery and solar markets, ultimately contributing to the nation’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
