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  • SON, NGO train 35 lab experts to battle lead poisoning

    SON, NGO train 35 lab experts to battle lead poisoning

    For two days, no fewer than 35 laboratory experts drawn from different industries, institutions and government agencies were trained in field testing and reporting to strengthen laboratory surveillance and capacity in the fight against lead poisoning in the environment.

    The capacity building, held at the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Lagos office, was organised by SON in partnership with Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, and was specifically aimed at training regulatory, academic, and state teams on the safe and effective use of XRF analyzers for lead detection.

    Deputy Director, Laboratory Services/Head of Operation Laboratory, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Mr. Adetoyi Adeyinka, said the training was targeted at eliminating lead as a poisonous substance in toys and cosmetics products.

    He hinted that there were some red flags in the country concerning lead poisoning which the organisation was proactive in addressing the challenges. He noted that it was on this basis that SON invited some laboratory experts to the training.   

    “This is to let them know what is expected of them in products with high level of lead in them, and also to know how to eliminate and curb it outrightly for people’s safety before the enforcement will begin to take place.”

    “We also target cosmetic products such as lip stick that has high lead concentration and some are rich in “tiro” that our parents used on their eyes which are dangerous to our health. We are trying to reach the grassroots level to educate them on how poisonous these substances are so that they can do away with them,” he added.

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    According to Adeyinka, lead is a poisonous substance and it’s very dangerous to children, stating that while adults maybe able to withstand it because of the high resistance in them, little children do not have that high resistance level which makes some of them to experience various body deficiencies in their growth.     

    Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, Nanlop Ogbureke, said the training was to equip selected laboratory experts to identify lead in certain products and sources as well as to fill the body of evidence that would enable government to push forward certain policies that when enforced would lead to the elimination of lead in the country.

    “We are currently having the training because we are are starting a Lead Poisoning Prevention Project, which commenced in April, and part of the activities include testing for lead in different sources i.e cosmetics and other personal products. It is in lead that we have found contamination in water and in the environment generally.

    “We are working with the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health at the state level to implement this project. At the national level, we are looking at policies for the legal frame work that needs to be established to enable government implement and enforce certain regulations that have been put in place for lead prevention and elimination in our country,” she said.

    She noted that at the recent capacity -building, participants were trained on XRF machines, its maintenance, and operation on the field. She acknowledged that partnering agencies such as SON, NAFDAC and other relevant ministries remain critical in the fight against lead poisoning.

    “ We know that there are incidences in lead poisoning in children leading to death in states like Zamfara and Niger States that tell us how important it is even to deal with this as we consider public health implications of lead poisoning in our population.

    “There have been some gains in the past before we came on board especially looking at lead in paints but the fight still continues to be paramount especially when it comes to enforcement. We are here to hopefully get the laboratory experts and technicians to know how to use the XRF machines for field testing and also to explore what can be done even when we bring certain samples to designated laboratories for testing that will also inform what interventions we can also do,” she added.

    Facilitator at the training and Director Spectrometer Technologies, a South African based company, Mr. Mirko Steinhage, highlight ed the scope of the training to include basic operations, some XRF training, radiation safety training and operations of the instruments, practical examples on some of the consumer goods and products that will be tested and also some software training of the equipment.

    To Steinhage, the most important lesson that participants will take home is operation of the instruments, how to safely operate an XRF analyser and how to use it effectively for the lead screening purposes in Nigeria.

    One of.the participants, Deputy Director Pollution Control Department, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Kano State, Mr. Usman Sadik Sulaimon, who expressed gratitude to the organisers of the training, said on return to Kano State he will transfer the knowledge he has gained to other colleagues for inspection and test of discharge emission and effluent to test for lead poisoning..

  • SON expands regional infrastructure to support MSMEs, others

    SON expands regional infrastructure to support MSMEs, others

    Two years into the leadership of Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke as Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the agency is taking giant and strategic strides to strengthen the nation’s industrial support systems through regional expansion and proximity to production clusters.

    The commissioning of new SON offices in Minna and in Sokoto, recently, highlights this direction and signals an attempt to reshape national quality infrastructure to better serve manufacturers, traders, exporters, and consumers.

    In Minna and in Sokoto, the emphasis was on decentralisation and accessibility to standardisation by manufacturers, especially the Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

    The Minna office was commissioned by the Director of Projects at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who represented the minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.

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    In Sokoto, the SON office was commissioned by the Minister of State, Senator John Owan Enoh.

    The ministers described the facilities as part of the federal government’s efforts to make quality assurance more practical, visible and locally-available.

    At the commissioning in Sokoto, Enoh said the move reflected the innovation and collaboration encouraged under the Renewed Hope Industrialisation Agenda of the federal government, noting that standardisation must now translate into real support for enterprise and competitiveness, particularly for small businesses.

    Also speaking at the commissioning of the Minna office in Niger State, Dr. Oduwole described the SON facility as a tool to help local producers to meet both domestic and export market requirements.

  • SON unveils ISO 37003 for fraud control

    SON unveils ISO 37003 for fraud control

    The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled the ISO 37003:2025, Fraud Control Management System, noting that this is a powerful instrument to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria,

    The SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke said, the ISO 37003 2025 is a standard that provides a globally recognised framework for preventing fraudulent activities before they occur, detecting fraud efficiently when it arises, and responding decisively to ensure accountability by  minimising damage.

    More importantly, it fosters a culture of integrity by embedding fraud prevention into the very DNA of organisational operations.

    Dr. Okeke spoke at the official launch of ISO 37003:2025, fraud control management system in partnership with British Standards Institutions BSI, in Abuja, stating that for the public sector, adoption of this standard will enhance transparency and accountability, reduce leakages, and rebuild public confidence. For the private sector, it will serve as a mark of integrity, signalling to partners and investors that Nigerian companies operate with the highest standards of governance.

    He said: “For the economy as a whole, its widespread adoption will help improve Nigeria’s global rankings, attract foreign direct investment. SON is fully committed to ensuring that this standard does not remain on paper but is implemented effectively.”

    Read Also: SON unveils ISO 37003 for fraud control management system

    He added that SON will roll out awareness campaigns, provide training for implementers and auditors, and establish a credible certification scheme. This he said is not a task for SON alone, it requires the active commitment of leaders in the public sector, captains of industries, professional bodies, and civil society organisations.

    Convener, ISO/TC309/WG8, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, said the 37003 of 2025, which is a fraud control management system is the guardians for organisations managing the risk of fraud, this is intended to promote standard, not only in this country, but internationally. He explained that the making of ISO 37003 started on the sidelines of ISO TC 309 plenary in Sydney, Australia in November 2018.

    “There was awareness of fraud risks in organisations and  existing fraud controls within the organisations, including internal fraud, whistleblowing, code of conduct, anti-fraud policies, fraud training, and management reviews to mitigate the impact of fraud.

    “With the existence of these internal mechanisms and statutory regulations, there was a clear need for an ISO standard dealing with fraud control. Research findings from the literature published by reputable sources show that fraud costs the global economy about $4 trillion per year. The chief executive of the Strategic Institute of Forensic Examiners puts it at $4.7 trillion a year, so it is increasing,” he said.

    He added that this Amounts to a total loss of seven per cent in the annual turnovers of the organisations. Based on the findings, the leadership of TC309 in 2022 approved the proposal and established Working Group 8 to develop a fraud control management system standard. After going through all the different stages of development, of working draft to committee draft, draft international standard to final draft international standard, the document was published as an international standard on 29th May 2025.

  • MINILS, SON boost strategic leadership, labour relations

    MINILS, SON boost strategic leadership, labour relations

    • Okeke gets Institute’s Fellowship for promoting decent work

    Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) have held a workshop to enhance leadership and labor relations, including upskilling SON staff in strategic leadership.

    The workshop, which was held at SON’s Ogba Laboratory Complex Lagos, was done to equip union members and SON management with essential skills for collective bargaining and joint consultation. It was also aimed at fostering stronger labour relations within the organisation.

    The training, which was specifically for SON’s directors and other management staff and union leaders, entitled, “Strategic Leadership For Effective Labour Management Relations”.

    At the event, the Director-General/ Chief Executive, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, was inducted as a Fellow of the National Labour Institute (FNLI).

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     Okeke thanked the institute the gesture.

    He emphasised his belief that fairness, equity, and justice are indispensable tools for creating a peaceful and productive work environment.

    Okeke also acknowledged the union’s continuous support and partnership in maintaining organizational peace and harmony and praised management staff for aligning with SON’s vision.

    He highlighted several key achievements under his leadership, including proper placement of staff; completion of the last year’s promotion and conduct of this year’s promotion exam for junior and middle-level workers; The introduction of a staff training matrix for all grade levels; quarterly medical allowances for staff in SON laboratories.

    “Our staff are our greatest strength.Besides leadership capability, courage and commitment, the other two critical imperatives for organizational growth and development are financial capital and human capital. That’s why both were my major concern and focus on assumption of office. Eventually, we were able to more than double the Internally Generated Revenue, among other achievements,” Okeke said.

    Director-General of MINILS, Comrade Issa Aremu, commended Okeke’s efforts in fostering a harmonious relationship between the union and management.

    Aremu lauded Okeke for several achievements that align with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

    These, according to him, include Respect for workers’ rights to unionise; sponsorship of labour education programmes; Introduction of health and safety policies; gender-friendly and non-discriminatory labour practices; provision of modern working tools and timely resolution of grievances.

    According to Aremu, management needs unions as change agents to galvanize the workforce behind continuous improvements, as trade unionism dignifies labour, accords belongingness and enriches workers’ collective sense of ownership”.

    “By aligning unions’ leadership as a requirement for effective management, this workshop shall indubitably avail SON’s leadership the tools to merge unions’ power resources with managerial authority for unlimited value creation,” Aremu said.

    Aremu canvassed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU]) by both parties “to pool together our strength for broader benefits”.

    Justifying the investiture of the DG, the President, Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), SON branch, Mr Ogag Aragba, said the prevailing peace and harmony in SON, the cordial relationship between the workers and management and the joy on their faces says it all.

    He said: “It’s obvious that the DG deserves the award. When you don’t see us shouting, it means that we are happy with the management. You can sample the feelings of the staff. When the DG assumed office, the very first meeting we had with him was very okay. He implemented our demands.  Since his assumption, he has ensured regular training for the Union and for state executives. That’s why we have a very cordial relationship with the management”.

    The association’s General Secretary, SON branch, Mr Jibril Isah, who is also a member of the national body of SSASCGOC, said: “When we had our first meeting, he demonstrated that he’s abreast of our challenges and would tackle them with time. He fulfilled his promises. Since his assumed office, this training is the fourth we are having. This is my 12th year in SON, workers and the union are closer to management now than ever before.”

  • Importers, manufacturers flood Nigeria with substandard products, says SON

    Importers, manufacturers flood Nigeria with substandard products, says SON

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) condemned the flooding of Nigerian markets with substandard products by importers.  The Organisation also warned local manufacturers to desist from producing substandard products for the domestic market.

    The Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop tagged: “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” which held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.

    Represented by the Director, Cooperate Affairs Department of SON, Mrs Talutu Athan, the DG noted that standards adherence and compliance remains a major way to attain economic and industrial growth.

    He said the workshop was aimed at strengthening and deepening stakeholders/operators knowledge, understanding and co-operation with the organisation concerning standardisation activities for growing businesses.

    “Today’s economy reputation is as important as Customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.

    “For our goods to reach premium market which and beyond our boarders they must meet borders they must reach established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude it frustrate producers.

    “SON is committed to the fight against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.

    “We cannot do it alone, we need your support,. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.

    “Standards are not rules from above they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success,” the SON boss said.

    Also speaking, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, Emeka Orajaka, said the Agency was committed to fight against fake and inferior products in the markets.

    Orajaka, however pledged support to SON to get rid of substandard goods across the markets in the country.

    He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taken them to the market.

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    A Resource Pearson, Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on the topic, “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” said the importance of using made in Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires could not be over-emphasised.

    Ayanda described made in Nigeria cable as the best due to it resistance to fire.

     “Nigeria cables are flame retardant. Its resistance to fire. All Nigeria cables has SON logos,” he stated.

    State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, Mrs  Maryrose Ugwueche,  thanked all the stakeholders for support to its activities in the state.

    Other stakeholders at the workshop include: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) among others.

  • SON condemns influx of substandard products in Nigerian markets

    SON condemns influx of substandard products in Nigerian markets

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has strongly condemned the growing presence of substandard products in Nigerian markets, warning both importers and local manufacturers to desist from the practice.

    The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, issued the warning during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop themed: “Growing Businesses through Standardisation”, held in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

    Speaking through Mrs. Talutu Athan, Director of the Corporate Affairs Department, Dr. Okeke said substandard goods undermine the nation’s economic growth and pose serious risks to consumers.

    He emphasised that adherence to standards and regulatory compliance are essential to achieving sustainable economic and industrial development.

    According to him, the workshop was designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of standardisation processes and strengthen collaboration between SON and business operators to support enterprise growth in Nigeria.

    “Today’s economic reputation is as important as Customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.

    “For our goods to reach premium market which and beyond our boarders they must meet borders they must reach established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude it to frustrate producers.

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    “SON is committed to fighting against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.

    “We cannot do it alone; we need your support. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.

    “Standards are not rules from above; they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success.

    “SON has toll-free lines that one can contact in terms of substandard goods. These are 08099937380, 07056990099,” the Director General said.

    Also speaking, Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, said the Agency was committed to fighting against fake and inferior products in the markets.

    Orajaka, however, pledged support to SON to get rid of substandard goods across the markets in the country.

    He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taking them to the market.

    A resource, Mr Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on a topic, “Growing Businesses through Standardisation”, said the importance of using made in Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires, could not be over-emphasised.

    Ayanda described the made-in-Nigeria cable as the best due to its resistance to fire.

    “Nigeria cables are flame retardant. It’s resistant to fire. All Nigerian cables have SON logos,” he stated.

    Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, thanked all the stakeholders for their support of its activities in the state.

    Other stakeholders at the workshop include: the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), among others.

  • SON, MAN, customs champion accurate measurement for consumer confidence

    SON, MAN, customs champion accurate measurement for consumer confidence

    The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged manufacturers to avoid unqualified calibration providers to deliver value to consumers.

    Speaking at the event held in Lagos to mark 2025 World Metrology Day, themed, ‘Measurements for all Times, for all People,’ the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chinonso Okeke stated that SON was working with relevant bodies to eliminate such operators and uphold trusted calibration services that will provide value for money spent.

    The DG disclosed that SON was tackling challenges confronting small businesses through training and awareness campaigns, adding that enforcing standards would improve product quality and enhance competitiveness nationwide.

    “As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to support manufacturers, SON has decentralised calibration services to Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. This initiative offers easier access for businesses across various regions,” said the DG.

    He confirmed the launch of mobile calibration services, which are also called ‘Grassroots calibration services’.

    According to him, “This innovative approach enables remote businesses, the Small and Medium Enterprises [SMEs] to access calibration services at their doorstep, bridging the gap and fostering economic growth.”

    Speaking on the theme, he stated that it highlights efforts in shaping Nigeria’s past, present and future. “We must walk the talk to give metrology the importance it deserves. In Nigeria, we are celebrating this event by bringing together relevant stakeholders in line with SON’s mandate on quality assurance and standardisation”

    The DG noted, “As the apex standards body in Nigeria, SON is vested with the responsibility of formulation, issuing, and enforcement of Nigerian Industrial Standards and Metrology. These are powerful tools for increasing productivity, better utilisation of resources, elimination of waste, protection of the environment, and removal of trade barriers.”

    He explained that in line with the Nigeria First Policy and Renewed Hope agenda, SON is making concerted efforts aimed at putting a standard metrology facility in place to serve as a bedrock to the nation’s economic development.

    “All over the world, metrology is identified as a catalyst to trade and nation-building. In line with this, the organisation is making concrete efforts to accredit the facility to put the nation’s pride in place and ensure traceability.”

    Speaking further, Dr. Okeke said, “When fully optimised, the metrology facility can save Nigeria’s capital flight,  ensure accredited testing and calibration laboratories obtain traceability of measurement locally, saving hard currency paid to foreign NMIs.”

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    He noted it would also “Boost the country’s export base by providing confidence and reliability in export goods. Improve citizens’ health and ensure a safe environment through accurate measurements while also strengthening other components of the National Quality Infrastructure, reduce disputes and transaction costs in industry and commerce,”.

    Representative of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, the Zone A Commander, Charles Obi, said every container inspected, every tariff calculated, and every regulation enforced relies on precision and reliability of measurements, noting that at the Nigeria Customs Service, it witnesses daily the practical implications of accurate measurements.

    “Our scanners must precisely detect contraband hidden within legitimate cargo. Our weighing systems must accurately determine the weight of goods for the correct payment of duty. Our laboratories must precisely identify restricted substances. Without reliable measurements, our revenue collection, trade facilitation, and national security mandates will be compromised,” he said.

    He said the economic impact of measurement standards cannot be overemphasised, stressing that they enable fair trade by ensuring that what is declared is what is delivered.

    “They protect consumers by verifying that they facilitate international commerce by providing a common language for specifications and requirements”, he noted

    “In essence, measurement standards are the invisible infrastructures upon which visible trade flows. As Nigeria advances into the industrialisation agenda, metrology shows in production processes. Quality control requires accurate measurement systems,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria[MAN] pledged to collaborate with SON to ensure accurate calibration and standardisation to boost consumers’ confidence in locally manufactured products.

    MAN’s DG, Segun Ajayi, noted that accurate measurement was more than a technical task. According to him, measurement is a vital foundation for all human activities. In manufacturing, he stressed, measurement is essential for quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and product reliability.

    Mr. Ajayi-Kadir, who was represented by Mrs. Victoria Onuoha, added that measurement supports global competitiveness and reinforces consumer trust in Nigerian-made goods.

    “Manufacturers now depend heavily on accurate measurements to reduce waste, meet consumer demands and safeguard the environment. Standardisation plays a key role in building consumer confidence and aligning with international benchmarks”, he stated.

    Praising SON’s dedication to advancing metrology in Nigeria and improving the national quality system, he said that SON’s efforts were crucial in boosting industrial growth and global integration.

    He stressed that MAN will remain committed to partnering with SON to promote precision, standardisation, and continuous improvement in manufacturing.

  • SON warns tyre dealers against importing substandard products

    SON warns tyre dealers against importing substandard products

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged tyre dealers to stop importing substandard tyres into the country, emphasizing the need to prioritize quality and safety.

    The Director-General of SON, represented by Dr. Marilyn Waziri, Director of SON’s North Regional Zone, made the appeal during a sensitization programme held at Apo Mechanic Village, Abuja.

    With the theme “Tyre Awareness – A National Imperative,” the event aimed to educate retailers on the dangers of substandard tyres and the importance of adhering to quality standards to protect lives and property.

    The DG said, “As a retailer, you have to select the type of tyres you are going to sell to consumers. Enough of substandard tyres, With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) it means that you can export tyres to any country of your choice, while there own can be brought to Nigeria. If the country concentrate on substandard tyres and the other country brings quality, Nigerian tyres will be out of the market. 

    “Substandard tyres have a lot of negative implications and should not be encouraged, the campaign against substandard tyres is not aimed at putting them out of business but at ensuring road safety and market competitiveness.We have been deliberating, even at the national level, on how we can make sure that we reduce the level of substandard tyres that are coming into the country”.

    ‘This sensitization initiative would be extended to other parts of the country as SON will be working closely with tyre dealers to ensure that only certified products are sold in Nigeria.

    Chairman of the Abuja Automobile Dealers Association, Mr. Samuel Akah, commended SON for the initiative, assuring that dealers would comply with all stipulated measures to ensure tyre quality.

  • Substandard building materials: Reps to investigate SON

    Substandard building materials: Reps to investigate SON

    The House of Representatives is to investigate allegation about the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)’s reversal of its decision to shut down 18 companies found wanting in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers. 

    In a motion urgent public importance by Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), the House ask the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to stamp out fake products/building materials and ensure they leave up to their functions by ensuring that the quality of building materials in the market are of required standard.

    Osawaru had expressed concern about the incessant occurrence of building collapse in Nigeria which he said has been attributed to the use of substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes by authorities; 

    He said that available data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos State accounting for about 56% of them through 13 incidents, followed by Abuja with 4.37%, having recorded six collapse incidents. 

    According to him, the Standard Organization of Nigeria is saddled with the responsibilities to, among others, undertake investigations as necessary into the quality of facilities, materials and products in Nigeria, and establish a quality assurance system including certification of factories, products and laboratories. 

    He stressed that the constant issue of substandard materials has sent numerous lives to their early grave and it is very regrettable to state that, at least three buildings have collapsed in different states within January 2025, leading to several deaths and casualties, which is a clear indication that the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has not done enough to prevent further occurrences 

    He said that “study has reveal that poor quality of materials and cheap-labour contributed about 53% of building collapse in Nigeria with most of them being private residential buildings executed by Indigenous companies and locals.

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    “Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) allegedly reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers. 

    “The reversal, reportedly influenced by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has sparked criticism from different quarters, raising concern over government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction industry.

    “The alleged defaulted companies responsible for production of substandard building materials especially irons hides under the weak enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria to flood the Nigerian market with inferior products while exporting products of high quality to countries where substandard materials are not tolerated”.

  • Federal Government commends SON

    Federal Government commends SON

    The Honorable Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh has said with the structure of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the organisation is positioned to deliver on its mandate on time and effectively without compromising on standards.

    The minister remarked during his visit to the SON laboratory complex at Ogba, Lagos, at the weekend, where he noted that the organisation can police manufactured goods to ensure quality.

    Enoh was optimistic that the SON team appreciates the enormity of its mandate and strategy, noting that the organisation’s duty was challenged by the mandate to enforce, elaborate and reveal, which brought a lot of reactions from the government and Nigerians.

    He urged the organisation not to be a clog in the wheel of progress, as the government would always want to deliver quickly on various procurement laws and as such, SON should be mindful to make sure it delivers well without hitches.

    Appreciating the resilience of the organisation despite challenges encountered in the course of its duty, the minister advised the organisation not to lower its standard, but to deliver promptly.

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    “The structure of SON according to the Director General’s explanation on the capacity of the laboratories and locations in various commands and zones in the country, make the organisation so positioned to deliver so quickly and effectively. With the commands in different zones, as you continue to evolve, the zones will be decentralised with enough mobile equipment.

    As you discharge your work in conformity to standard, there is a need to deliver quickly on what the government wants.”

    He applauded the present and past leadership of the organisation, noting that as part of President Bola Tinubu’s 8 points agenda -Renewed hope agenda of the government, “the 7th point agenda which speaks to us in this sector, the more we continue to deliver on that agenda, the more SON is going to be brought into play.”

    The minister also noted that one of his mandates, in terms of the programs of the ministry, is the promotion of made-in-Nigeria goods and services. He said he was determined to go beyond the talk to the action needed to deliver quality products.