By Uzo Ugwunze
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has joined the global community in celebrating World Standards Day,l emphasizing its commitment to standardization, quality assurance, and conformity assessment.
According to a press release made available to newsmen, the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said that SON on the 14th October, 2024 marked the WSD with this year’s theme, ” SHARED VISION FOR A BETTER WORLD: SPOTLIGHT ON SDG 9-INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AGE OF AI,”
The DG/CE of SON, said that this year’s theme was apt and also in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Hope agenda to boost economic growth.
Okeke said that standardisation was the bedrock of any nation ‘s economic development saying that adherence to standards was imperative.
He highlighted 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 roadshow ceremony to mark the beginning of the cebrations.He explained that road roadshows will also take place in Geopolitical Zones within 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 emphasized 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 retiarated 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 (Man Cap) 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”, he said.
The over 500 participants that took part on the roadshow to create awareness on standards were drawn from private sector, NGO,vgovernment ministries and agencies