SON commits to provide Manufacturers, service providers with tools
The Standards Organisaton of Nigena (SON) during her special day at the 2023 Lagos International Trade Fair reiterated her commitment to equip all manufacturers and those seeking to be in the business of manufacturing or provision of services with the necessary tools for success.
According to the Director General/Chief Executive of the organization, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the organization is committed to educating Stakeholders on Standardization and Quality Assurance activities.
He stated, ‘The Lagos International Fair provides a platform for International and Domestic Exhibitors to interact with key stakeholders in trade, promote and access new markets It also ams at revitalization and diversification of the Nigenan economy. The trade fair offers great opportunity for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria on awareness creation of its activities.
‘SON has been participating in the fair for more than 10 years through the exhibition, by displaying standards for purchase and enlightenment of manufacturers, aiso other businesses on the activites and the impact SON 5s creating in the growth of businesses in Nigena, particularly the SMEs and MSMEs as it relates to products and services.’
He explained that the role of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria in businesses, cannot be overstated in the need to ensure standards for local and International brands. ‘It ensures that products and servces meet the required standards, while safeguarding consumer interests.
‘SON offers a comprehensive range of services, including MANCAP, SONCAP, Library, Laboratory, Training and Management Systems Certification, designed to assist businesses in adhering to regulations and enhancing the quality of their products and services. Through its various programs, SON has helped to promote consumer safety, protect the environment, and support economic growth in Nigeria The organization’s commitment to excellence has earned its reputation as a reliable partner for businesses across the country.’
The DG expressed the need for more collaboration with SMEs and MSMEs, saying it cannot be overemphasized as they play and will continue to play significant roles in the growth, development and industrialization of the country. In recognition of SMEs as the drivers of the nation’s economy, he stated that SON has put in place a policy that ensures that SMEs and other relevant stakeholders are involved in standards development process through inclusion in Technical Committees for elaborating standards. ‘The whole essence is to create an enabling environment for the sector to be part of the standardization process so that products emanating from their system would meet global standard’ he noted.
Dr Ifeanyi made a promise of maintaining quality through advocacy and collaboration, enforcement and Market Survey. ‘This partnership’, he explained, ‘is crucial and it is a testament to the commitment to promoting economic growth in Nigena by creating an enabling environment for private sector investment, improving the quality of infrastructure and services available to businesses, while also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of regulatory processes’.
He urged everyone to take advantage of the resources offered by SON. Whether one needs assistance with product testing, certification, or training, the DG assured that SON is present at the fair to help. ‘Our doors are open to equip all manufacturers and those seeking to be in the business of manufacturing or provision of services with the necessary tools for success.
‘Together, let us embark on this journey of collaboration and partnership, knowing that greatness awaits us. Together, we can cultivate an environment where businesses thrive, innovation flounshes, and the Nigerian dream becomes a reality’ he stated.
The President, Lagos Chamber for Commerce and Industry in his keynote address expressed, ‘The THEME FOR THE ANNUAL FAIR: ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’. He expressed that the THEME underscores the importance of relationships and networking among businesses for wealth creation, trade partnerships, and productivity growth. He said, ‘the theme also underscores the value of interactions between producers, service providers and end-users.
He applauded the standard organization of Nigeria for their commitment to ensuring quality products and certificating the right firms as well as their innovations and training Management Systems Certification, designed to assist businesses in adhering to regulations and enhancing the quality of their products and services.
