The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has issued a strong appeal for coordinated national efforts to halt the widespread distribution of fake and substandard engine oil products in the country. The agency warned that the ongoing spread of adulterated lubricants poses a serious threat not only to motorists and machinery but also to Nigeria’s fragile economy.

Speaking during a sensitization forum held in Osogbo, Osun State, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, raised the alarm about the grave impact of counterfeit engine oil on industrial operations and economic productivity. The event, themed “Impact of Adulterated/Lubricating Engine Oil on Nigeria’s Economy,” aimed to foster dialogue, create awareness, and rally support among stakeholders across the lubricant value chain.

Dr. Okeke, who was represented at the workshop by Mr. Razak Oyewopo, SON’s Coordinator for Osun State, emphasized that the use of inferior lubricants remains a critical concern for the country, as it leads to mechanical breakdowns, increased operational costs, and a significant reduction in the lifespan of engines.

A Threat to Engines and the Economy

Adulterated lubricants are flooding the Nigerian market at alarming rates, according to SON. These fake products, often sold at cheaper prices to lure unsuspecting consumers, do not meet minimum quality standards and result in severe damage to vehicle engines, industrial machinery, and power generators.

Dr. Okeke noted that the consequences of using fake oils go far beyond individual inconveniences. From increased fuel consumption and engine failure to machinery downtime and financial losses, the damage ultimately slows down productivity in key sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing.

“Substandard lubricants reduce the efficiency and lifespan of engines, which in turn disrupts operations and increases maintenance costs,” he said. “This situation undermines Nigeria’s economic progress, especially at a time when we are working to revamp productivity across various sectors.”

Industry-Wide Call for Ethical Practices

SON’s Director-General called for all participants in the lubricant distribution chain—including manufacturers, importers, marketers, and retail dealers—to take responsibility and commit to ethical practices by ensuring that only certified and tested products are made available to Nigerian consumers.

He also urged oil marketers and engine oil dealers to refrain from tampering with product quality in a bid to make quick profits, stating that such actions harm the industry and endanger public trust.

“Everyone involved must rise to the occasion. We must safeguard consumer interests by offering products that meet SON’s strict quality assurance guidelines,” he said.

According to SON, the fight against fake engine oil cannot be won through enforcement alone. It requires strong collaboration between the private sector, consumer groups, and regulatory agencies. The organization emphasized the need for all parties to embrace quality as a shared value.

Economic Fallout of Counterfeit Lubricants

Dr. Okeke further explained that Nigeria faces a significant economic toll due to the circulation of substandard lubricants. Businesses across the country incur millions of naira in losses every year from equipment damage, unplanned downtime, and costly repairs triggered by the use of fake oils.

Industries that rely on machinery, such as construction, logistics, mining, and agriculture, often experience avoidable breakdowns that delay production timelines and reduce output. The use of non-standard lubricants has also led to rising vehicle maintenance costs for individual consumers and transport companies alike.

“Fake lubricants contribute to a chain reaction of inefficiency—engines break down, productivity drops, income declines, and eventually, economic growth suffers,” Dr. Okeke warned.

He explained that beyond private losses, the national economy bears the burden in terms of reduced investor confidence, job losses, and the loss of industrial competitiveness.

SON’s Commitment to Consumer Protection

As part of its regulatory mandate, SON continues to intensify market surveillance, monitor lubricant quality, and prosecute violators of its standards. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from the dangers posed by counterfeit engine oil.

In his address, Dr. Okeke highlighted the need for stronger consumer awareness. He urged buyers to verify product certifications and check for the SON quality mark before making purchases. He also advised against buying lubricants from unregistered vendors or roadside sellers.

“Consumers must become proactive in protecting themselves,” he said. “If you use a substandard product, you not only risk your vehicle or machinery—you also support the criminal network undermining our economy.”

Stakeholders Voice Support for SON’s Campaign

In a show of solidarity, key stakeholders attending the event expressed support for SON’s ongoing campaign to cleanse the lubricant market of fake and adulterated products.

Mr. Tijjani Sahib, Chairman of the Engine Oil Lubricant Dealers Association in Osun State, praised SON’s consistent efforts to educate the public and maintain market integrity. He called on fellow dealers to embrace honesty in business and ensure that only high-quality lubricants are sold to consumers.

“Our members must rise above the temptation to compromise,” Sahib said. “We owe it to our customers and to the Nigerian economy to do what’s right.”

Expert Underscores Benefits of Premium Lubricants

Delivering the keynote lecture at the event, Mr. Sangosanya Olatunji, SON’s Coordinator for Ekiti State, outlined the many advantages of using high-grade engine oil. He noted that quality lubricants promote better fuel economy, reduce engine wear, extend oil drain intervals, and contribute to lower emissions—all of which support environmental and financial sustainability.

Olatunji appealed to manufacturers, importers, and retailers to collaborate more closely with SON to ensure product compliance and regulatory alignment. He stressed that every stakeholder has a role in the national effort to eliminate fake engine oils from the market.

Building a Resilient, Quality-Focused Economy

Ultimately, Dr. Okeke stressed that the widespread use of poor-quality lubricants threatens to derail the country’s drive for economic recovery and industrialization. For Nigeria to build a resilient and inclusive economy, product standards must never be compromised.

“The road to national development begins with quality,” he said. “When we prioritize standardization in every sector, including lubricants, we create a culture of excellence that drives long-term prosperity.”

He concluded by reiterating SON’s unwavering commitment to consumer protection and quality assurance, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure a market dominated by genuine, high-performance lubricants.