SON Tracks Producers Of Fake TV Sets In Lagos

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly producing fake television sets in Lagos, following a viral video that surfaced online this week.

The video, reportedly filmed around the Alaba International Market area, showed stacks of television cartons branded with popular names such as LG and Hisense. A male narrator in the clip alleged that the products were fake and locally assembled by traders in the market.

The unidentified speaker claimed that some of the traders were printing logos of well-known electronics brands on substandard television sets to deceive unsuspecting buyers.

He said, “I was in Alaba and I came across these guys that are printing on new televisions, especially LG and Hisense. If you bought an LG TV, irrespective of the size, and it has this carton, it is actually fake. All these are produced in Alaba. The guy is printing LG’s logo on the cartons.”

According to him, the counterfeiters allegedly order low-quality televisions from Chinese manufacturers and then rebrand them locally to appear as authentic products.

“What these guys do is send their request to a Chinese company that produces TVs and tell them to produce a low-quality TV,” he added.

Reacting to the video, the Press Liaison Officer of SON, Angela Okisor, confirmed that the organisation had commenced tracking those behind the illicit operations.

Okisor said that SON was collaborating with security agencies and market unions to clamp down on the culprits.

“We are tracking the stuff. We are working with the union to sort it out. We are working with security operatives on it. We are working at a high level,” she said.

The viral video has sparked outrage among Nigerians, many of whom expressed concern over the proliferation of counterfeit electronics in major markets.

A resident of Alaba, Ajayi Damilola, said both original and fake products are sold side by side in the area, making it difficult for buyers to distinguish genuine items.

“In Alaba, there is nothing you can’t find. Fake products are repackaged like originals, so you have to be very careful when buying things there,” Damilola warned.

Another resident, who preferred not to be named, advised buyers to be vigilant when purchasing electronics, saying, “You have to be smart. If you’re not careful, you could easily end up with fake products.”

Social media users have also weighed in on the controversy.

Popular X (formerly Twitter) user, Daniel Regha, condemned the practice, stressing that the televisions were not even produced locally but merely rebranded, which he described as “even worse.”

He wrote, “They are getting a cheap version or brand, and then imprint another brand on the package. Unfortunately, not everyone can tell the difference. This is why it’s good to buy from a trusted distributor or dealer only, and when you get such a device, use the serial numbers to confirm by contacting the brand or via reliable online websites.”

Regha added that the issue extended beyond electronics, saying, “It’s even disturbing how this goes beyond electronics; even pharmaceutical products and foodstuffs are affected. God help us in this country.”

Another X user, @YesItsBash, said fake televisions have been circulating for a while but can easily be identified by experienced buyers.

He wrote, “From the carton you’d know, from the remote you’d know, from the menu you’d know, from the price you’d know. There are too many red flags for you to buy a fake TV thinking it’s original.”

As investigations intensify, SON has reiterated its commitment to sanitising Nigeria’s electronics market and ensuring that only certified products are sold to consumers.