MEMAN Calls for Crackdown on Counterfeit, Fake Lubricants

Stakeholders in the oil industry have made an impassioned call for a crackdown on sales and distribution of fake, counterfeit lubricants in Nigeria.

This call was made yesterday at the quarterly press briefing by the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, MEMAN, at the session on ‘Lubricant Counterfeiting and Mitigations’.

Steve Ezendiokwere, Chairman of the Lubricant Committee at MEMAN and Manager of Commercial Lubricant Sales and Field Engineering Services at 11PLC, highlighted the critical importance of using genuine lubricants for vehicles, trucks, and heavy machinery. Lubricants are substances applied to reduce friction and wear between surfaces in contact.

Ezendiokwere described lubricants as the lifeblood of any engine, warning against the severe risks posed by counterfeit products. Ezendiokwere noted that local mechanics have been trained to identify authentic lubricants and detect counterfeits.

Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of MEMAN, underscored the benefits of using genuine lubricants, stating that they ensure engine longevity and durability. He called for a widespread adoption of genuine products to maintain engine health and avoid costly damages.

Unfortunately, one of the major causes of such substandard lubricants is the re-use of original cans/plastic containers and drums. While it has been advocated that such containers be punctured to stop re-use nefarious re-use, they are also a source of revenue for the shop owners/mechanics who resell them. A point was made that a system of recycling could be instituted whereby such containers would be taken off the at the point of initial use.

Another concern raised is the fact that almost all materials to manufacture lubricants are imported, whilst there are original lubricants with the same brand name but from different sources.

The MEMAN Executive Secretary emphasized the need for stringent quality assurance measures, including collaboration with stakeholders, enhanced monitoring, stronger regulations, and public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the dangers of counterfeit lubricants. He urged partnerships with law enforcement to prosecute counterfeiters and implement stricter penalties.