By Uzo Ugwunze
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has enjoined market leaders, traders and importers under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) to collaborate with SON in combating the proliferation of substandard products saying that together they could build a healthier, more prosperous, and successful nation.
Speaking during the Public/Stakeholders sensitization in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Director General/Chief Executive SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke who was ably represented by the Director, Public Relations Department of the SON, Mrs Folusho Bolaji explained that the objective of the ongoing nationwide stakeholder sensitization programmes was not only to educate operators on the provisions of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 but also to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster stronger collaborations.
According to the DG, “as we gather in Onitsha, the most populous and rapidly growing commercial hub, the theme of this sensitization is “SON requirements and Compliance Monitoring Activities to Curb Influx and Sale of Substandard Products in Nigeria’’, and the primary objective of this stakeholder engagements is not only to raise awareness on all SON activities and related issues but also to enhance collaboration among stakeholders as well as foster productive partnerships, particularly in alignment with the ongoing initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revamp the nation’s economy”.
“SON is mandated to eliminate substandard products from Nigerian markets while improving the quality of life through standardization and quality assurance,which is why we urge everyone to join in upholding the highest standards and ensuring strict compliance with quality assurance protocols essential for sustainable business growth”.
“Standardization plays an important role in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), considering the fact that MSMEs are key to advancing the Nation’s industrial and economic growth, which is one of the key reasons we have assembled today to encourage all stakeholders in Onitsha to adhere to laid down procedures for the benefit of both parties and consumer safety”.
“SON is committed to ensuring the quality and safety of both locally produced and imported goods for consumption, while also protecting manufacturers and importers through strategic investments in quality infrastructure aimed at supporting businesses and promoting trade. We rigorously monitor all regulated products to ensure they undergo our certification process and adhere to both national and international standards”.
“We require that all products manufactured in Nigeria be certified under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) through SON’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally produced goods, the SON Offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported products and the most recently introduced ProductAuthentication Mark (PAM), a sticker that offers an additional layer of assurance for consumers on product quality. The certification is vital for product competitiveness and end-user safety”.
“As a leading provider of ISO Management Systems training, SON continuously updates its programs to reflect international best practices and standards. We encourage operators to certify their products through SON to boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian-made goods and services. By adhering to these standards, we can promote local brands, attract investments, and replicate the success seen in other global economies”, he said.
The DG/CE further revealed that the recent surge in seizures of counterfeit products in the country was alarming saying that the confiscation of these substandard goods, valued at billions of naira, represents a significant loss not only to the perpetrators but to the entire Nigerian economy.
Presenting the workshop,the SON Director Inspectorate & Compliance, Manji Pious Lawan assured participants that SON, as the federal body responsible for developing product and service standards and ensuring compliance through conformity assessments, provides a level playing field for manufacturers, importers, exporters, and consumers. It is our expectation that operators will meet and exceed consumer expectations.
“SON is empowered by the SON Act to prosecute those involved in the distribution of counterfeit and substandard goods through the federal courts. While these challenges persist, we remain steadfast in our mission to combat counterfeiters and protect the economy, no matter the individuals, sectors, or regions involved. With enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, we are better equipped to track down and prosecute these economic saboteurs”.
Manji Lawan further advised both manufacturers, traders and consumers to feel free to access SON offices for guidance, assistance or complaints saying that activities of some middlemen/agents sometimes misrepresent the real facts about registration fees and processes which are not in any way meant to witch-hunt any person, group or product.
Earlier in his response, ASMATA PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna thanked SON for the sensitization and awareness program assuring that he will ensure that Anambra traders, Importers and manufacturers within the markets who were yer to comply with SON registration and standardization will do so adding that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State was someone who upholds due process and desires a healthy, liveable and prosperous Anambra State and Nigeria in extension.
“Henceforth, there is zero tolerance for any fake or Substandard product in Anambra markets. ASMATA will assist SON in every way possible to make sure they carry out their duties for the health, safety of citizens and the for the growth of both individuals businesses and Nigerian economy,” said Anuna.
However, a copy of the Constructional Act booklet guiding the activities of SON was handed over to the ASMATA PG for the accessibility of Anambra traders.
In a related development, Representatives of the Directorate of Informal Sector Economy, Abuja , Coordinators of Groups under the Informal Sector, Amb Ijeoma Ofoma and Mr Christopher Ifekwunigwe informed the traders of an upcoming Loan Scheme sponsored by the African Union meant to alleviate poverty, unemployment and avert crime and criminality for all the 36 States in Nigeria and across other African countries.
“We are not a political organization but supports any government in power in any State of the federation. We are here to inform both people resident in Anambra and Delta states of a Loan scheme that will benefit all Nigerians and Africans who have some ideas, skills or business they can embark on but lack financial capital”.
“The loan has zero interest and no collateral is required. Beneficiaries have to be registered under a recognized and organized union like the Farmers, Artisans, Traders, Animal husbandry unions to be eligible and will be willing to return the loan for others to benefit. The scope of the loan and collection procedure will be brought to the knowledge of the public after inauguration in the various states,” they said.