SON celebrates world standards day 2024, showcases achievements, supports manufacturers
Maureen Aguta
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) today joined the global community in celebrating World Standards Day, emphasising its commitment to standardisation, quality assurance, and conformity assessment.
Director-General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okeke, said this year’s theme, “Shared vision for a better world spotlight on SDG 9-Industry, Innovation, and infrastructure in the age of AI,” was apt and also in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Home to agenda to boost economic growth.
Okeke said that standardisation was the bedrock of any nation‘s economic development
“Standardisation is the bedrock of any nation’s economic development,” Okeke stated. “Therefore, adherence to standards is imperative.”
He highlights the role of collaboration and standardization in driving economic transformation and sustainable development.
“We have made significant strides in promoting standardization and quality assurance, supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development,” he said
To celebrate World Standards Day, he said SON has planned several activities with a road-show ceremony to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
He explained that road road-shows will also take place in Geopolitical Zones with the week.
Others including outreach programs to engage with stakeholders and promote standardization
Virtual Training for MSMEs: Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to enhance their manufacturing processes
Okeke emphasised that these activities aim to support both large and small firms in navigating international best practices in manufacturing. He also highlighted the importance of mentoring in creating access for Nigerian products in the export market.
He reiterated that SON has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products to ensure quality service delivery in the transport sector. The agency has also developed the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS) to ensure consumers receive value for their money.
Adoption and release of hundreds of standards for products development
SON has awarded about 500 products the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate to over 500 products.
-Training of over 1,000 stakeholders*: SON has trained stakeholders on standards and quality assurance
– Establishment of 15 National Technical Committees to set up committees to develop and review Nigerian standards in ensuring quality service process and production for goods and services.
Okeke commended SON’s management, staff, and stakeholders for their efforts. “SON remains committed to improving life through standardization, fostering consumer confidence, and enhancing global competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products.”
As the national standards body, SON will continue to play its role in facilitating business and promoting standardization, quality assurance, and conformity assessment.
The over 500 participants that took part on the road-show to create awareness on standards were drawn from private sector, NGO, government ministries and agencies.