-emphasises quality standards for Energy safety
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has cautioned Nigerians on the dangers of fake batteries and misleading labels, particularly in the battery and solar power sectors, urging consumers to prioritize quality assurance.
During a sensitization workshop recently at the SON office in Ilorin, Kwara State, experts underscored the importance of reliable products to protect consumers and enhance the nation’s energy sector.
Facilitating the event, Engineer Ibukun Alasan, addressed the theme, “Driving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Battery/Solar Power Sector to 100%,” stressed that substandard batteries not only reduce product lifespan but also pose serious safety risks.
“When labels mislead users, it leads to improper maintenance and damages the product,” Alasan warned.
She emphasised that using low-capacity batteries in high-demand scenarios can lead to malfunctions and potential hazards.
Alasan advised Nigerians to look for the SON quality seal on battery products as a verification of authenticity and safety.
Another speaker, Habibullahi Abdullahi, called attention to the need for quality solar accessories to drive 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, advocating for stronger collaboration to uphold product integrity.
Representing SON’s Director General, Ifeanyi Okeke, the Kwara State Coordinator, Ayeni Feyisayo, pointed out the broader implications of substandard products on productivity and overall quality of life.
“If people cannot reliably power their equipment, it impacts their mental clarity, efficiency, and overall welfare,” he noted, urging a commitment to responsible production and consumption.
SON reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing standards across the sector and warned that vendors dealing in counterfeit products would face severe penalties.
The agency encouraged workshop participants to apply the training insights to help safeguard Nigeria’s battery and solar markets, ultimately supporting the nation’s push towards sustainable energy solutions.
