The former Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. John Akanya, has said that it will be impossible to completely eradicate sub-standard products “because faking is done worldwide by syndicates.”

Akanya, who handed over officially to his successor on Tuesday, told newsmen that only an Act of parliament could effectively address the issue of importation and manufacturing of sub-standard goods in the country.

“The issue of sub-standard goods is a syndicate issue worldwide because there are still bad people in the world who want to make fast money,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Josephine Tapgun, has urged SON to make concerted efforts to compel manufacturers in the country to adhere to standards.

She said the measure would take SON to the next level in its quest to ensure quality standards in the economy.

Tapgun made the call in Abuja on Tuesday, at a dinner in honour of the former Director-General of SON, Dr. John Akanya, and his successor, Dr. Joseph Odumodu.

She said that apart from tackling the menace of dumping of sub-standard goods in the country, SON should ensure that Nigerian manufacturers were made to produce standard goods.

She said, “Even within the country, some manufacturers are not just producing standard goods and this is what the new director-general must address.

“The expectations of Nigerians are high with regard to SON; and we expect that with your experience in the private sector, you will impart your ideas and move SON to the next level.”

Tapgun commended Akanya for doing a good job during his tenure as SON’s director-general, saying that in spite of his exit, his wealth of experience would still be needed in the organisation.