SON Urges Local Manufacturers To Prioritise Quality Standards

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has underscored the importance of quality standards in the manufacturing sector, urging local producers to adhere strictly to guidelines to remain competitive in both domestic and international markets. During a high-level engagement with industry stakeholders in Lagos, SON officials reiterated that the organization remains committed to fostering an environment where made-in-Nigeria goods can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global counterparts.

The Director-General of SON emphasized that maintaining high standards is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental strategy for business sustainability and consumer protection. According to the agency, many local businesses are yet to fully embrace the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), which is designed to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before they are presented for sale in the market or exported.

Furthermore, SON highlighted that the ongoing challenges of substandard goods in the market can only be curtailed through a collaborative effort between the regulators and the manufacturers themselves. The organization promised to provide more technical support and training to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to help them meet the required quality benchmarks. By prioritizing quality, Nigerian manufacturers are expected to contribute more significantly to the country's non-oil export earnings and boost the overall reputation of Nigerian products globally.