The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) took to the streets of Enugu on Thursday to raise public awareness on the importance of product quality and standardization. Led by the South-East Regional Operations Directorate (SEROD), the event featured the “SON-Walk-for-Standards,” a campaign aimed at promoting safety and quality assurance across Enugu’s bustling streets, markets, and roadways.
SEROD Director Mr. Chucks Aharanwa emphasized that the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, has implemented a strategic mapping agenda that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG-9). “Our mission is to drive economic development by supporting local businesses through standardization and quality assurance, which directly boosts Nigeria’s economy,” Aharanwa explained.
He highlighted that the South-East is a pivotal economic hub in Nigeria, making quality infrastructure, funding, and services essential for the region’s global competitiveness. “The Director-General recognizes the South-East’s unique economic potential, and it’s only fair to provide the resources needed for sustainable growth,” Aharanwa said.
During the walk, SON officials visited Ogbete Main Market, where Aharanwa urged traders to support the fight against substandard products by patronizing certified brands. He called attention to certifications like the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and the SON Offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) as markers of safe, high-quality products.
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To reinforce this, SON distributed informational fliers and shared contacts for its Consumer Feedback and Collaboration Unit, encouraging the public to report product complaints and substandard practices. The event gathered SON representatives from across the South-East, including coordinators Engr. Anthony Eneh (Abia), Mrs. Comfort Echebiri (Imo), Mrs. Ugwueche Maryrose (Ebonyi), and Engr. Peter Ameh (Enugu), alongside staff from the National Metrology Institute (NMI) and SON Engineering Laboratory in Enugu.
This year’s World Standards Day theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure in the Age of AI,” focuses on building resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation, aligning perfectly with SON’s mission in the region. Celebrated annually on October 14, World Standards Day dedicates attention to sustainable economic practices that promote long-term growth.
