[size=17pt]Nigeria: A Floodgate of Fake Auto Parts[/size]

Not a few Nigerians were appalled at the recent disclosure by Director-General Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Joseph Odumodu, that 95 per cent of the auto parts imported into the country are fake or sub-standard. Their consternation had a dual edge: First, Nigerians were shocked that they have been dicing with death by relying on fake spare parts used to replace faulty ones in their vehicles. Second, people were mortified to learn, by inference, that agencies of government upon which we all rely to keep inferior imports away from our shores, including the SON, have largely abdicated their duties, creating in the process a haven for sub-standard auto parts in Nigeria.

The claim by the SON helmsman that his agency was clamping down on dealers in fake auto parts did little to mitigate Nigerians' horror at his disclosure. Neither did Odumodu's assertion that "the only way to eliminate the importation of sub-standard goods is to build factories and manufacture Nigeria's brand of products" wash with anyone. To climax the farce of a sensitisation programme against sub-standard auto parts played out by the SON at the Lagos Trade Fair, the president, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), Anthony Ughagwu, praised the SON for "curbing the circulation of sub-standard and fake products in the market."

Curbing what in which market; the one that stocks 95 per cent fake spare parts? Isn't this a brazen attempt to pull the wool over Nigerians' eyes? Are ASPAMDA members not in cahoots with all agencies at the ports to flood Nigeria with sub-standard and fake auto spare parts? Are these dealers and the regulatory agencies therefore not accessories to the daily fatal road crashes in the country attributable to fake spare parts? Do ASPAMDA members, the SON and other regulatory agencies in the auto sector not have blood on their hands on account of their allowing fake products into the market? How much confidence should car owners nationwide now have in the brake pads just fixed in their vehicles, as they leave auto repairs shops today?

We are convinced that making huge profits has been placed over and above the safety of Nigeria's citizens by importers of sub-standard spare parts. It is also clear that official organs, like the SON, charged with stopping such importers in their tracks have utterly failed the country on this score. These are indeed enervating conclusions to make. Where do we go from here? A 95 per cent failure return in any sector of a nation's life should set alarm bells ringing in all quarters on the need for a total overhaul of the sick sector. We expect no less from the federal government and its agencies in charge of the auto spare parts import business, before the last bell tolls for more commuters on our roads, on account of fake auto parts sold to us all by profiteering angels of death. The time to act is now.

In terms of auto parts, its a perfect storm. Greedy importers, corrupt govt officails and unrealistic buyers: what do you expect?

People still complain that a N500 oil filter (Not even the best quality) is expensive. They opt for N200 / N300

If you have an importer with no conscience and a very high bank loan on his neck what was he supposed to do?

Somehow its not even worth feeling sorry for these people. Most people want something for nothing

Nigeria has always been a dumping market for most substandard goods ranging from drugs, foods, electronics and now motor spare parts. What a pity!

May the Good Lord continue to protect all of us.

Beware of fraudsters who sold fake auto parts online

This is indeed very sad. It would be necessary for these regulatory bodies to employ the services of Sproxil www.sproxil.com They already worked with NAFDAC to help combat counterfeit drugs and even if it is not yet completely eradicated as counterfeiters are relentless, it has certainly done a great job in reducing the numbers of bad incidences. The auto industry should certainly take advantage as Sproxil also offers services to the automotive industry.

1. USAutoBuy(m): Quote Post
In terms of auto parts, its a perfect storm. Greedy importers, corrupt govt officails and unrealistic buyers: what do you expect?

People still complain that a N500 oil filter (Not even the best quality) is expensive. They opt for N200 / N300

If you have an importer with no conscience and a very high bank loan on his neck what was he supposed to do?

Somehow its not even worth feeling sorry for these people. Most people want something for nothing

An oil filter that costs as low as N500 is obviously not of good quality;If you continue to use such, you will end up spending hundreds of thousands in naira to replace your engine sooner than later.
A friend told me that you could identify a fake oil filter by simply pouring a little amount of fuel(gasoline) on the inscriptions on the filter, then wipe it with your hands, if the inscriptions are washed off, then you have a fake oil filter regardless of how good it looks.
The suspension parts is another area that is life threatening. God forbid imagine your suspension pulling out in the middle of the road
These fake auto parts are traded in major auto parts markets in Nigeria. right within the market the sellers can identify who sells genuine or fake.
Nigerians should be suspicious when an auto part is ridiculously cheap, you might think you are getting a good deal, this is not always the case.
These importers have taken advantage of the fact the most Nigerian are not economically empowered to purchase genuine parts, so they decide to shove cheap, fake auto parts from Asia.
Genuine parts are available online from major online stores and I am aware that people who sell fake auto parts will not want such an exposure.
If you are found to be selling fake auto parts on these websites( Two major online stores) You would be black listed.
SON should intensify its drive to ensure that our people are protected from this scourge