The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raised concerns over the growing influx of fake and adulterated engine oil in the country, warning that the trend poses serious risks to vehicles, industrial machinery, and the broader Nigerian economy.
Speaking at an event themed: “Impact of Adulterated/Lubricating Engine Oil on Nigeria’s Economy” held in Osogbo, the director-general of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, stressed the urgent need for collective action by stakeholders and consumers to curb the proliferation of substandard lubricants in the market.
Dr. Okeke, who was represented by the Osun State coordinator of SON, Mr. Razak Oyewopo, said the event was organised to create awareness among dealers and consumers about the dangers of adulterated products. According to him, fake lubricants present risks that go far beyond mere quality concerns, as they contribute to premature engine wear, increased maintenance costs, and declining productivity across sectors.
He explained that the circulation of adulterated oil is a critical challenge that undermines Nigeria’s economic development, especially in key sectors like transportation and manufacturing, which depend heavily on machinery and engines. “The implications of adulterated lubricants and oil are far-reaching as they reduce the lifespans of engines and increase maintenance costs,” Okeke said.
Highlighting the dangers, Okeke warned that low-quality engine oils frequently lead to mechanical failures, unplanned downtime, and substantial financial losses for businesses that rely on efficient equipment and logistics. He described the issue as a threat to economic growth, noting that rebuilding the nation’s economy demands a firm stance against such practices.
He added that addressing this challenge is a national priority, stating, “Using certified, good-quality lubricants does more than just protect engines and machines; it also helps build a strong, reliable, and productive economy.” He urged consumers to be more vigilant and informed, while calling on stakeholders in the lubricants industry to adhere to ethical practices and commit to selling only certified and tested products.
Also speaking at the workshop, the chairman of the Engine Oil Lubricant Dealers Association in Osun State, Mr. Tijjani Sahib, praised SON for its advocacy efforts and encouraged dealers in the state to support the agency’s drive by ensuring they supply only genuine products to consumers.
In his keynote address, Mr. Sangosanya Olatunji, SON’s Coordinator for Ekiti State, outlined the benefits of using high-quality lubricants, such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and extended oil change intervals. He appealed to manufacturers, distributors, and end-users to collaborate with SON in enforcing quality standards and eliminating fake products from the market.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and the national economy by intensifying monitoring, enforcement, and public education campaigns on the dangers of substandard engine oils.
