SON develops NNSS 2020–2022

Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

THE Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has developed the first ever Nigerian National Standardisation Strategy (NNSS) 2020 – 2022.

This is to identify priority areas to focus on, based on national needs assessment, with the governing council approving 168 new Standards for publication and dissemination to various sectors of the economy, which is in furtherance of the government diversification policy.

The Permanent Secretary, Industry, Trade and Investment Sani Gwarzo has given the approval for the first NNSS) 2020–2022.

According to him, the document is accompanied by a National Implementation Plan that gives orientation for national standardisation work within the three years duration.

Gwarzo also noted that the NNSS has identified a total of 658 standardisation projects in key priority areas classified by economic sectors as highlighted in the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and other related national strategic plans.

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The Director General, SON, Osita Aboloma enumerated the organisation’s role and support in the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic as including leveraging on its international collaboration to make necessary and relevant international standards available to local manufacturers at no cost. The organisation also waived charges relating to importation of essential materials while also fast tracking the process.

Aboloma stated that SON has also been providing necessary technical quality assurance support to local manufacturers involved in the manufacture of Personal Protective Equipment required for the prevention and control of Covid-19 nationwide, through its state offices.