Chinedum Treasure
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has reassured its commitment to sanitize and rid Nigerian markets of fake, counterfeit and substandard products.
The organization gave the assurance at the weekend in Onitsha in a one-day public and stakeholders’ workshop at ASMATA’s Hall, Onitsha after executing the same programme in Nnewi previously.
SON said it remained steadfast in its mission to combat counterfeiters and protect the economy, no matter the individuals, sectors, or regions involved.
In his opening remarks on the theme, “SON requirements and compliance monitoring activities to curb influx and sale of substandard products in Nigeria’’, the Director General and Chief Executive of the organization, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said the primary objective of the stakeholder engagements was 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 Tinubu’s administration to revamp the nation’s economy.
Okeke, represented by the Director, Public Relations Dept, Mrs Folusho Bolaji said SON was mandated by law to eliminate substandard products from Nigerian markets while improving the quality of life through standardization and quality assurance.
He said that was the reason SON had urged 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.
“The benefits of these sensitization initiatives are immense, it is a platform which offers an opportunity as used by SON to encourage continuous engagement with operators, promote synergy that will enable us collectively achieve our objectives, raise awareness about the African common market as well as promote economic and trade development, which will further strengthen our collaboration in combating the proliferation of substandard goods.
“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.
“SON collaborates with internationally accredited firms to assist exporters and importers in meeting the standards required under SONCAP. It is essential that importers adhere to SON requirements to ensure smooth clearance at Nigerian Ports and prevent the influx of counterfeit or uncertified goods into the market, hence we urge exporters to standardize their products and leverage SON’s expertise to facilitate seamless export processes.
“SON operates internationally recognized laboratories and metrology services to support export promotion, particularly in the agricultural sector. We are expanding our standardization efforts nationwide, utilizing mobile calibration vans to provide product testing in suburban and rural areas. We encourage stakeholders to take advantage of these resources to ensure that certified Nigerian-made products enjoy both local and international market acceptance.
“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.
“The recent surge in seizures of counterfeit products is alarming, and 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.
“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.
“Let me assure you 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.
“In conclusion, I invite you to collaborate with SON in combating the proliferation of substandard goods seeing that together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous, and successful nation.
In his presentation, the Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, Mr Pious Manji who delivered a lecture titled, “Compliance Procedures” said, among other things, that the programme was aimed at protecting the interest of people who are doing genuine businesses and also protect the consumers of the goods and services.
Mr Manji who spoke extensively on compliance procedures told the participants that the fight against the menace of substandard products was not limited to SON but that the war should be waged by all to rid Nigerian markets of fake, adulterated and substandard products.
He said the fight should be equated to fighting crime which he declared had to be done with all amount of one’s efforts.
The President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Dr Humphrey Anuna and his executive, women wing of the association other market leaders and a host of traders numbering over 500 attended the sensitization programme.
The market PG expressed gratitude to SON in its efforts to sanitize the markets of substandard products as he promised the traders support and collaboration to achieve the objective.
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