The President of the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria, Engr. Dr. Oseni Suleiman, has raised serious concern over the increasing circulation of fake and substandard automobile parts across Nigeria, describing the trend as a major threat to public safety and national development.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the union President warned that the unchecked proliferation of counterfeit spare parts is contributing significantly to the rising cases of vehicle breakdowns and road accidents on Nigerian highways.
According to him, “The widespread distribution and use of fake auto parts have become a silent killer on our roads. Many unsuspecting Nigerians fall victim to these substandard products, which often fail without warning and put lives at great risk.”
Engr. Suleiman noted that the situation is worsened by the activities of unscrupulous dealers who prioritize profit over safety, flooding the market with inferior products that do not meet required standards.
He emphasized that members of the union across the country have consistently encountered cases where fake brake systems, suspension components, engine parts, and electrical fittings have led to avoidable mechanical failures and, in many instances, tragic consequences.
“As professionals at the forefront of vehicle maintenance and repairs, we cannot remain silent while the lives of Nigerians are endangered daily. This is not just an industry issue; it is a national emergency that requires urgent and coordinated action,” he stated.
The AUOMMATON President therefore declared a nationwide campaign against fake auto parts, vowing that the union will intensify surveillance within workshops, markets, and supply chains to identify and expose dealers involved in the distribution of counterfeit products.
He further announced that the union would collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the National Automotive Design and Development Council, to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that only certified and standard-compliant parts are sold and used across the country.
Engr. Suleiman also called on the Federal Government to impose stricter penalties on importers and distributors of fake auto parts, stressing that the current regulatory framework must be strengthened to serve as an effective deterrent.
He urged Nigerians, particularly vehicle owners and transport operators, to be vigilant and patronize only certified and trusted mechanics and spare parts dealers to safeguard their lives and investments.
“Vehicle safety begins with the quality of parts used. We advise all Nigerians to avoid cutting corners when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The cost of using fake parts is far greater than the money saved,” he warned.
The union also disclosed plans to embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at educating mechanics, technicians, and the general public on how to identify genuine spare parts and report suspicious products.
Reaffirming AUOMMATON’s commitment to professionalism and public safety, the President stressed that the union will continue to play a leading role in promoting best practices within Nigeria’s automotive sector.
“We are committed to protecting lives, upholding standards, and restoring integrity to the automotive industry. This fight against fake auto parts is one we must win collectively as a nation,” he concluded.
