Business
SON tasks stakeholders on product standardisation for enhanced foreign investments
The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, has urged stakeholders to embrace product standardisation in order ensure foreign investments and boost the nation’s economy.
Okeke made the remark during a stakeholders’ Sensitisation Forum for the Maritime Sector and Manufacturers in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
He explained that standardisation enhanced consistency, reduced production waste, encouraged innovations for manufacturers, and boost seamless inspection and efficient clearance procedures for maritime operations.
The DG, represented by the Director, Cooperate Affairs, Mrs Talatu Ethan, urged manufacturers to ensure standards of quality in their products in order to protect consumers against substandard and counterfeit products.
Okeke, who spoke on the theme, “Aligning Business Practices with Nigerian Trade Policies for Sustainable Growth,” urged the stakeholders to assist SON in its efforts to eradicate substandard products from Nigerian markets.
He explained that the sensitisation forum was aimed to engage key stakeholders in the maritime and manufacturing sectors, including dealers, suppliers, marketers, and distributors in Nigeria on the need for business alignment.
He also said that the event was equally to create awareness about the importance of standardisation and compliance with national standards.
Okeke stated the critical role of aligning businesses with national trade policies for sustainable growth and economic development, adding, “SON means ‘Made to Last,’ hence the need to build and align with the standard.’’
According to him, standardisation is a critical bridge between policy and practice, serving as a catalyst for efficient trade, enhanced market access, consumer protection, and long-term business sustainability.
He noted that SON’s role in developing and elaborating national standards supported the private sector in improving product quality and safety.
Okeke, however, urged the stakeholders to use the SON toll-free lines 08099937380 and 07056990099 for reporting sub-substandard products and encouraged participants to provide feedback on the challenges and aspirations of their industries.
In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Ayuba, Head of the National Metrology, Institute of the Standards Organization of Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to install weigh-bridges on Nigerian roads to prevent damages caused by overloaded trucks.
According to Ayuba, roads are designed to carry specific loads, and exceeding these limits can lead to premature wear and tear.
‘’Overloaded trucks are major contributors to road damage in Nigeria, as they can carry loads that far exceed the capacity of the roads.
“This is particularly problematic in Nigeria, where roads are not equipped with weigh-bridges to regulate the weight of trucks,” Ayuba said.
He said that countries like Germany had implemented weigh-bridge systems to ensure that trucks do not overload roads.
Similarly, Chief Ndukwe Toby, the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (NACA), commended its collaboration with the SON in resolving issues affecting the ease of doing business in the country.
Toby highlighted the importance of regular workshops and sessions with SON, which would provide a platform for NACA to present its problems and concerns directly to SON’s visiting officers.
According to him, the interface between NACA and SON has been instrumental in resolving challenges, including issues with import permits.
He cited a notable example when SON insisted that importers must have their manufacturers registered with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to obtain import permits.
Toby explained that NACA argued that the requirement was unfair to small-scale producers who were not yet registered with MAN but could still produce goods locally.
“Through persistent dialogue, NACA and SON were able to resolve the issue, allowing importers to import raw materials even if they were not registered with MAN.
“This development has enhanced the ease of doing business for importers and exporters,” Toby said.
He noted that the relationship between NACA and SON had improved significantly over time, emphasising the need for regular interactions between the two organisations to address emerging challenges and promote a more conducive business environment.
“The collaboration between NACA and SON is a positive step towards enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria, and it is expected to boost trade and investment in the country,” he said.
NAN
on Tuesday
