NIGERIA – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has at the flagging off of a campaign tagged, “Standardization; Panacea for economic growth,” called on local producers and importers to strictly adhere to standards to boost economic growth.
The Director General of SON, Malam Farouk Salim, echoed that conformance to standardization and quality assurance would make Nigerian products and services more acceptable at the international market.
Salim, who was represented by the Director South-East Operations of SON, Mr. Fred Akingbesote, noted that when all products and services conform to standards, the country and her people would benefit tremendously from it.
He pointed out that standardization would also lead to cost reduction, less effort on production, strengthen brands and make it convenient and easy for customers to recognize and pick quality products and services.
“If you see any product with SONCAP certification logo, rest assured that you have got a product with quality and satisfaction guaranteed. It provides a company with a competitive edge in the market,” said Farouk.
He stated that manufacturers and service providers need to ensure that their products and services meet the right specifications and deliver on their customers’ expectations.
“When a company assesses its products and services in accordance with relevant standards, this helps the company to adapt to the latest market trends regarding quality. And avoid the costs related to product returns, buyer complaints, and loss of goodwill in local, regional, and international markets,” the SON boss added.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the SON DG, Chief Duru Emeka, who doubles as coordinator of the sensitization, said it was part of the agency efforts to take the standardization culture to the grassroots.
“Once the people in rural areas imbibe standardization as a way of life, the fight against influx of substandard products is almost won. We need collaborative efforts to tackle the menace,” he said.
Duru said Nigerian products were produced in line with international best practices and enjoy global competitiveness in line with the organization’s quality infrastructure strategy under the able leadership of Mallam Farouk Salim.
The Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr Godwin Anigbo, urged SON to extend its services to the grassroots by creating more awareness on standardization of products and services.
“If you see any product with SONCAP certification logo, rest assured that you have got a product with quality and satisfaction guaranteed. It provides a company with a competitive edge in the market.”
Deputy Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Enugu State, Mr. Felix Odoh further urged SON to leverage on the spread of NOA officials scattered in the 774 council areas, to reach Nigerians even in their localities.
“This sensitization and enlightenment should go beyond here and get more Nigerians, especially the people at the grassroots to know the standards for all they produce at their localities,” he said.
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