Nigeria is considering using letters of credit (L/Cs) in its endeavour to curb the importation of fake, substandard and sometimes downright dangerous goods.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is particularly advocating the use of L/Cs to ensure that imported goods are at least safe.

It wants to see certificates that verify imported goods' safety as a condition of opening an import L/C.

The certificate should be accompanied by a declaration from the exporter stating that the goods being sold to Nigeria can be legally sold in the seller's own country.

According to a SON official, some dangerous electrical goods have reached the Nigerian market that were sold by exporters in whose countries it would have been illegal to sell the same goods.

Similar certification is also called for to ensure that branded goods are genuine and not fake.

This article represents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the ICC or any of the other partners in DC-PRO.