The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, has affirmed that the agency’s vigorous promotion of standardisation is a critical catalyst for the growth and global competitiveness of both Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and larger companies in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair, themed “Developing Nigerian Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition,” Dr. Okeke stressed that embracing quality standards is essential to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s industrial landscape. Represented by the Head of SON’s South-East Regional Operations, Mr. Chukwuma Aharanwa, the agency is rolling out a series of strategic initiatives designed to foster an environment conducive to investment and business expansion.
Dr. Okeke detailed several innovative reforms including the introduction of the Product Identification Scheme (SONPIS), the redesign of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) logo, the launch of the Electronic Demand and Electronic Receipt (EDER) system, and the digital transformation of the MANCAP application process. He explained that these new policies and infrastructures are set to simplify the ease of doing business in Nigeria while promoting value addition in both the oil and non-oil sectors. This, he noted, is a deliberate strategy to ensure that products made in Nigeria not only meet international quality standards but also compete favorably on the global stage.
The redesigned MANCAP logo is a clear symbol of quality and trust. It is crafted to capture the attention of consumers instantly, instilling a sense of confidence in Nigerian products. Dr. Okeke urged all stakeholders to take full advantage of the wide array of services provided by SON, which also includes comprehensive training programs, calibration and laboratory services, and an effective consumer complaint resolution framework. These efforts are geared toward creating a robust industrial framework that attracts investment while positioning Nigeria as a pivotal economic hub in Africa.
In addition to SON’s initiatives, Mr. Samuel Ayuba, the Head of Operations at the National Metrology Institute (NMI), highlighted the critical role that accurate calibration and measurements play in business and manufacturing. As the apex institute for metrology in Nigeria, NMI is equipped to offer expert calibration services in diverse fields such as flow, chemistry, mass, pressure, and electrical metrology, ensuring precision in every facet of production.
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The SON pavilion at the trade fair became a hub of activity, with Mr. Peter Ameh, the State Coordinator for SON Enugu, guiding visitors through displays of certified products featuring the new MANCAP logo. His tour emphasized how certification through SONPIS and MANCAP opens up lucrative opportunities in both regional and international markets. The endorsement from industry stakeholders was evident when Chief Odiega Jideonwo, President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, praised SON’s commitment to upholding high standards. He remarked on the reliability and trust that SON’s robust framework fosters, which in turn inspires greater investor confidence in Nigerian products.
The event attracted a diverse range of industry leaders and corporate groups, including representatives from Block Moulders Association, Peace Mass Transit (PMT), Water Rock Ltd, Chloe Company Ltd, Memphis Ltd, Veggefresh Company Ltd, Gravity Yoghurt Ltd, Opay Company, and Ogbete Market Association (OMATA), among others. Their presence underscored the importance of SON’s role in cementing Nigeria’s reputation for quality and reliability.
SON’s renewed focus on standardisation, digital transformation, and stakeholder collaboration is poised to drive exponential growth for MSMEs while cementing Nigeria’s status as a competitive force in the global market. With these strategic reforms in place, the future of Nigerian industry looks more promising than ever.