Check labels properly before buying electrical appliances, SON urges Nigerians

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged Nigerian consumers to carefully examine energy labels on electrical appliances before making a purchase. SON's Director-General, Ifeanyi Okeke, explained that energy-efficient products, despite having higher initial prices, could be more cost-effective over time as they consume less electricity.

Okeke addressed this during the 2026 World Standards Day celebration in Abuja, under the theme "Standards: Vision for a Better World, Spotlight on SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy." He emphasized that SON's Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (SONMEL) provide consumers with reliable information on appliance energy performance, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Okeke cautioned that consumers who only consider purchase prices when buying appliances risk higher electricity costs over the product's lifespan. For instance, older bulbs may seem cheaper initially but consume more energy, leading to higher electricity bills in the long run. SONMEL aims to help buyers compare appliance energy performance and make informed purchasing decisions, especially for households and businesses looking to manage electricity expenses.

Okeke acknowledged potential resistance from manufacturers hesitant to adopt energy-efficient technologies due to the costs associated with replacing existing production systems. However, he argued that long-term savings can outweigh initial investment costs, as energy-efficient products do not necessarily entail higher production expenses.

SON encourages consumers to prioritize quality by purchasing products with SON certification marks, which signify conformity with approved standards. The agency is also working to make certification marks more recognizable and has introduced digital services to enhance access to standards and product authentication.