Standards Organisation of Nigeria
The Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) has lamented continued influx of substandard wires and cables into the country, urging the government to formulate policies that would curtail the menace.
Specifically, the group called for a hike in levy against importers of finished cables into the country.
The President of the association Ifeanyi Uzodike spoke at a business meeting held by CAMAN with officials of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Lekki, Lagos.
Among other pressing challenges the industry faces, Uzodike who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Cutix Plc Nnewi, mentioned large scale adulteration and faking of cables, local content policy, SONCAP permit, introduction of product authenticity mark (PAM) and introduction of special tax on imported finished wires and cables.
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He said: “Most countries in the world use special levy and some form of additional import tax to protect goods that are made in their countries. We wish to urge the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment to push for a 100% surcharge for individuals who want to import finished cables and a 75% surcharge for those importing already drawn wires of different sizes.
“In conclusion, we want to commend the current management of SON and indicate our willingness as an association to offer necessary support to help them execute their job.
“The desire by SON to seek for ways to curb the influx of substandard products and adulteration is commendable. However, PAM will not solve the problem and may worsen the already bad situation. Individual companies should be encouraged to seek ways to protect the integrity of their products.
“SON introduced Standards Organization of Nigerian Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) permits to ensure they curb the influx of substandard products. We expect SON to guide their permits jealously.
The issuance of SONCAP permits to traders who wish to bring in low voltage wires and cables that are produced in Nigeria has contributed a great deal to creating the enabling environment for traders who are dubious and wish to bring in substandard products. We wish to urge SON to review their policy on SONCAP permits with a view to making sure that it is not abused or misused.”
Source: G Business
