FG reiterates commitment to education, standardization

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting education and standardisation as key drivers for enhancing intra-African trade.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, emphasised the critical role of implementing standards in fostering sustainable development, innovation, and export-oriented manufacturing.

Anita stressed that standardization is essential for economic efficiency, facilitating trade, and establishing trust through guaranteed specifications and quality requirements.

She highlighted the need for policymakers to understand standards, especially in the context of rapidly advancing technologies like artificial intelligence.

The Minister emphasised the need to equip African youth with relevant skills to foster innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), crucial for achieving Africa’s industrial development and integration agenda.

Anita called for robust collaboration among ARSO member states to implement AfCFTA’s Common Regulatory Framework, particularly in areas related to technical barriers to trade (TBT). This collaboration aims to enhance intra-African trade, industrialisation, and economic diversification.

Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering a quality culture and transfer of knowledge through standardisation.

President of ARSO, Alexander Dodoo, urged African countries to use standards to change the narrative for Africa, creating African solutions for African problems and meaningful jobs for the youth.