The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has launched investigations into counterfeit television production following a viral video exposing fraudulent practices at Alaba International Market in Lagos State.
The viral video, which circulated widely on social media, showed stacks of television cartons bearing logos of popular brands like LG and Hisense. An unidentified narrator in the clip alleged that traders at the market were assembling low-quality televisions and fraudulently branding them as genuine products from well-known manufacturers.
According to the narrator, counterfeit operators print brand logos on cartons, remote controls, and television frames to deceive buyers. He claimed to have visited a shop with over 3,000 fake television sets already branded and ready for sale.
“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,” the man said in the video.
He further alleged that the counterfeit operators order low-quality televisions from Chinese manufacturers, then rebrand them locally to resemble premium products.
Angela Okisor, Press Liaison Officer for SON, confirmed that the agency has begun tracking those responsible for the fraudulent operation. Speaking on Friday, she said SON is collaborating with security operatives and working with market unions to address the issue.
“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,” Okisor stated.
Residents and market observers have warned buyers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing electronics at Alaba Market. Ajayi Damilola, a local resident, noted that both genuine and counterfeit products are sold in the area, making it difficult for unsuspecting customers to distinguish between them.
“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 said.
Social media users also condemned the practice. Daniel Regha, a popular commentator on X, emphasized that the problem extends beyond electronics to pharmaceuticals and food products. He advised consumers to purchase only from trusted distributors and verify serial numbers directly with manufacturers.
Another user, @YesItsBash, claimed that experienced buyers can identify counterfeit televisions through various indicators including packaging quality, remote control design, menu interface, and suspiciously low prices.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern about consumer protection and the proliferation of counterfeit goods in Nigerian markets.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern about consumer protection and the proliferation of counterfeit goods in Nigerian markets.
