Coleman urges stiffer sanctions against counterfeit cable makers

Coleman Technical Industries Limited has called for stricter sanctions against counterfeit cable manufacturers and distributors, arguing that weak enforcement is fueling the growth of the illicit trade. George Onafowokan, the company's Managing Director and CEO, spoke with journalists after a tour of the company's factories in Sagamu, Ogun State.

He emphasized that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) needs to strengthen its enforcement efforts to safeguard genuine manufacturers and consumers from substandard products. Onafowokan argued that simply confiscating and destroying counterfeit cables without prosecuting those responsible would not effectively deter the trade.

He questioned the number of counterfeiters prosecuted by SON and alleged that the regulator had not done enough to ensure offenders faced criminal sanctions. Onafowokan also pointed out that SON sometimes prioritized charging manufacturers for cable testing rather than collaborating with other agencies to prosecute counterfeiters.

He urged regulators to emulate the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has intensified enforcement against counterfeit pharmaceutical products. Onafowokan stressed that substandard cables pose a severe risk, as they can cause fires and endanger lives, necessitating stronger enforcement and prosecution.

Coleman has been working with the Nigeria Police Force to tackle cable counterfeiting, and the company has incurred significant costs supporting investigations and legal processes. Coleman is awaiting the outcome of a case that could become the first in Nigeria where a person is convicted and jailed specifically for adulterating cables.

Coleman's Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, urged the regulator to strengthen enforcement efforts and review existing laws to ensure penalties for counterfeiting are commensurate with the seriousness of the offenses.