By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigeria’s organized private sector to prioritize quality in their interactions with public sector counterparts. This call to action aims to promote a culture of quality among citizens and across all economic sectors, according to the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, NOC, Bola Fashina on Tuesday.
Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume at a workshop on Sustainable Provision of Metrology Services in Nigeria, Tinubu emphasized the importance of demanding quality products and services. This, he believes, will enhance Nigeria’s ability to trade seamlessly beyond its borders, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
The workshop, held in Lagos under the auspices of the Standards Partnership, highlights the government’s efforts to promote economic growth and development. Tinubu’s administration has introduced various initiatives aimed at improving the business environment, including ease of doing business reforms and infrastructure development plans.
The Standards Partnership Programme, backed by the UK Government, aims to boost Nigeria’s quality infrastructure. According to Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, a more efficient quality infrastructure will increase non-oil exports, strengthen the Naira, and create jobs.
The President urged stakeholders to drive the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, following Nigeria’s endorsement as the Digital Trade Champion. Senator Akume thanked the UK Government for supporting the National Quality Council through the Standards Partnership Programme.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of a robust National Quality Infrastructure in boosting Nigeria’s economy. Speaking through Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, the President highlighted the crucial role of the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) in implementing the Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP). This initiative, supported by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), aims to enhance trade and promote sustainable growth ¹.
A more efficient National Quality Infrastructure would significantly increase non-oil exports, leading to increased foreign exchange earnings, a stronger Naira, improved capacity utilization, job creation, and overall economic growth. The President urged stakeholders to proactively drive the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, following Nigeria’s endorsement as the Digital Trade Champion for the continent.
Senator George Akume expressed gratitude to the UK Government for its substantial support to the National Quality Council (NQC) through the SPP. This partnership has facilitated the effective implementation of the NNQP, paving the way for seamless trading and economic growth.
Executive Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), Osita Aboloma, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to establishing a more efficient National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This infrastructure will cater to both public and private sectors, enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian-made products and services. Aboloma emphasized that effective implementation of the Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP) will have a positive impact on the country’s quality infrastructure, particularly in increasing non-oil exports and reducing export rejects [1).
Dr. Simeon Umukoro from the UK Department for Business and Trade reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and trade enhancement efforts. He highlighted the importance of improving Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure to drive innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth for both nations ¹. The Standards Partnership Programme (SPP), a collaborative effort between the UK and Nigeria, aims to establish a robust quality infrastructure focused on improving standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment services.
These efforts align with Nigeria’s goal of promoting self-sufficiency and improving earning capacity through seamless global trade. By enhancing its quality infrastructure, Nigeria can increase its export capacity, attract investment, and boost trade efficiency, ultimately driving economic growth and development.