The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Malam Farouk Salim, warned Nigerians against purchasing uncertified products that could jeopardize their safety. Speaking at SON’s Special Day during the 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, Salim urged consumers to verify that goods bear the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) logo before buying them. He explained that the MANCAP logo indicates that a product has undergone inspection, sampling and laboratory analysis, and that it applies only to locally manufactured items; imported products are covered by the SON Off‑Shore Conformity Assessment Programme. “With it, the quality of any product is assured and guaranteed,” he said.
Representing SON, Engr. Fred Akingbesote, Director of the South‑East Regional Operations Directorate, noted that the trade fair provides an opportunity for SON to engage with Nigerian and foreign manufacturers about the organisation’s role in standardisation. He affirmed SON’s readiness to support entrepreneurs in achieving their goals. Salim highlighted the crucial contribution of micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs) to the country’s industrial growth, stating that SON will continue to create an enabling environment for these businesses to participate in the standardisation process. “Our target is to grow their businesses by offering services that ensure the standardisation of their processes and products,” he added.
Salim cautioned that manufacturers who ignore government regulations after being advised on how to improve product quality may face sanctions. He outlined the range of services SON provides, including standard testing, port and border import safety, training and technical advisory, metrology and instrumentation, and product certification.
In his welcome address, Jasper Nduagwuike, President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture, praised SON’s efforts in raising product standards. Represented by First Deputy President of ECCIMA, Odega Jideonwu, Nduagwuike acknowledged that, despite existing standards, further work is needed to achieve high levels of product standardisation for both local and foreign goods. He commended SON’s management and staff for their consistent participation in the Enugu International Trade Fair and expressed gratitude for the partnership that helps ensure locally produced goods meet international standards.
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