Coleman Technical Industries Limited has urged for more stringent penalties against manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit and substandard cables, highlighting that the current enforcement measures are insufficient and allowing the illicit trade to flourish. The call was made by the company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Onafowokan, during a recent media tour of their factories in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Onafowokan emphasized that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) must enhance its enforcement efforts to safeguard both genuine manufacturers and consumers from the dangers posed by substandard products. He criticized the existing practice of confiscating and destroying counterfeit cables without pursuing legal action against the perpetrators, arguing that this approach fails to act as a deterrent. "If there is no consequence, all you’ve done is just remove a little off my shelf. I’ll buy another one because you did not tell me I’ve become a criminal for doing it," he stated.

The CEO questioned the effectiveness of SON's prosecution efforts, suggesting that the regulator has not done enough to ensure that offenders face criminal charges. He noted that SON often prioritizes testing manufacturers' cables over collaborating with relevant agencies to prosecute those engaged in counterfeiting.

Onafowokan called for SON to take cues from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has reportedly intensified its enforcement against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. He warned that substandard cables pose significant risks, including the potential for fires that could endanger lives, making the need for stronger enforcement and prosecution even more critical.

In an effort to combat cable counterfeiting, Coleman has been collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, including the office of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as well as various zonal and state commands. The company has incurred substantial costs in supporting investigations and legal processes, including laboratory testing of suspected counterfeit cables. Onafowokan revealed that Coleman is currently awaiting the conclusion of a landmark case that could result in the first conviction in Nigeria for cable adulteration.

He explained that counterfeit cables are often produced with inferior materials and reduced quantities, allowing counterfeiters to sell them at prices close to genuine products while maximizing profits. Such cables may contain 30 to 40 percent less material in length, posing serious risks to consumers.

Michael Onafowokan, Executive Director at Coleman, reiterated the importance of SON's role in creating an environment conducive to quality products while actively tackling counterfeiters. He highlighted that counterfeiting is increasingly occurring within Nigeria, in addition to the importation of substandard products.

Furthermore, Chief Operating Officer Ilori Sanusi called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review existing laws to ensure that penalties for counterfeiting are proportional to the severity of the offenses. He argued that inadequate punishment could embolden offenders and stressed that penalties must be strong enough to deter future violations.