Tag: SON

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reiterated the need for standardisation of locally-made goods and other offshore products entering into the country. 

The agency raised the bar of quality control and standardisation during the just concluded 2024 World Standards Day ceremony commemorated across the globe.

The SON heralded the programme with massive roadshows tagged “Walk for Standards” across the country with the main aim of creating public awareness on the importance of standardisation in achieving sustainable economic and industrial development.

Expectedly, the programme drew participants from every nook and cranny of the federation, with wide stakeholders ranging from MSMEs operators, manufacturers, importers, exporters, market leaders, traders, consumers, in active participation.

In Ogun State, the event kicked off at SON’s Regional office at Sango Ota to major roads within the area.

In his opening speech, the Ogun Regional Coordinator at the SON, Mr. Omotosho Afolayan was upbeat about the theme of his event, noting that this year’s World Standards Day commemoration has been tailored in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – 9 – which harps on industrialisation, technological development, economic diversification and innovation.

Afolayan who revealed that the SON has continued to deliver on its mandate by making provisions for quality infrastructure such as standardisation, and elaboration of standards, adding that the agency has developed 88 standards to sustain the new current development in the CNG fuel sub-sector. The SON top official also stated that the body provides adequate conformity assessment programme to operators across the sector such as Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) as well as Management Systems Certifications.

According to him, all manufacturers should adhere strictly to standards and quality production, maintaining that all local and imported products have MANCAP and SONCAP certificates.

The event afforded MSMEs ample opportunities to express their support and willingness to collaborate with SON towards growing their businesses. To them, standards adherence remained the way to go in the current quest for local and global relevance.

The general theme of the 2024 World Standards Day was, “Our Shared Vision for a Better World: Applying Artificial Intelligence in Standards Development.”

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Afolayan stated that the walk was aimed at creating awareness on the importance of standardisation in the global economy.

He said standardisation is the key to industrialisation and a sustainable economy.

“We are also recognising the effort of everyone who has participated in standardisation in Nigeria, in Africa and all over the world, we are talking about our National Technical Committee members, our SON management and other professionals, experts, regulators and Industry practitioners that have participated in ensuring that we develop standards over time,” he explained.

“Standard is the bedrock of what we do, it takes its root from everything we do at SON in terms of regulation, in terms of certification and in terms of conformity assessment,” he reiterated.

“SON invited some of its stakeholders to share in this vision, by bringing together stakeholders to develop our standards we have been able to achieve a lot in the government of standards.

“And also in the application of standards we are inviting everybody to join hands with SON to ensure that these standards are applied for the benefit of the goals they are set for, we have about 17 standard development goals and all of them cannot be achieved without the use of standards,” Buka re-stated.

Director General, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON),  Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke said the agency has upgraded its  services to an enviable spot through digitalization.

Okeke spoke during the training of Commerce and Industry Correspondent Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Abuja Chapter in Abuja.

He noted that the media and staff of the organization are also part of the success story as they worked tirelessly all through the organization challenges to ensure the country does not become a dumping ground for substandard products as well as supporting local productions.

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He also reaffirmed his commitment to completion of various initiatives undertaken by  SON that directly impacts on the lives of the people and the economy at large as he commits to improving on communication with stakeholders at all levels to get greater buy-in into the Organization programmes and activities that will be targeted at their satisfaction, protection, welfare and positive growth of the nation’s economy.

According to him, “You are all aware of the current rating by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) for its 2024 Half Year Transparency and Efficiency Compliant Report for January 2024 to June 2024.

The Organization came second with 78.2%, among twenty (20) Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for transparency in service delivery

 “During my first meeting with CICAN, I made a commitment to train you on the various initiatives undertaken by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) that directly impacts on the lives of Nigerians and the economy at large. Today I feel humbled and grateful that the promise has been fulfilled,” Okeke said.

He noted that CICAN has been a wonderful ally of SON and as such the association tremendous support over the years in telling the SON story to Nigerian viewers and listeners has greatly impacted on the organization itself and the country.

The Director-General, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke said there is need to understand the World Trade Organization (WTO) technical barrier to trade (TBT) agreement, stressing that it will help to implement provisions within the country’s national framework.

He stated this at a one-day workshop on WTO Technical Barrier to Trade Agreement and its Implementation in Nigeria, noting that the idea is to improve the people’s understanding of the WTO agreement.

The TBT agreement, according to him is a critical component of the WTO’s framework, which is designed to ensure that technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade.

It is designed to balance the need for governments to implement measures to protect human health safety and the environment with the aim to align seamlessly with international best practices, facilitating smoother trade operations and fostering economic growth.

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Okeke reaffirmed the commitment of SON to promoting standardization and quality assurance in all sectors of the economy. “Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our efforts and work together,  create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, protects  consumers and promote trade towards a more prosperous and competitive  Nigeria,” he said.

Representative WTO, Mathur Sajal, said Nigeria produces so many items which require the input of the global trade body.

Minister, Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Nura Rimi stressed the importance of tackling obstacles such as cumbersome regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures, which can stifle integration and limit market access.

The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineering (NICE) has concluded arrangements to collaborate with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in critical areas of standardisation.

 NICE’s National Chairman Chukwudi Ezugu  made this known when he led his team  to the Director-General, SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, at his Lekki, Lagos office.

 On the purpose of the visit, the National Chairman stated that they were seeking to collaborate with Standard Organisation of Nigeria in areas that concern the Institution.

“We want you to engage us as a professional body and appoint some of our members to join in some committees involved in standardisation of civil engineering materials and equipment.

‘‘It is our belief that if we work together, we can achieve a lot in order to improve what we do especially in construction materials, equipment and processes. It worries us when we are on site, a lot of times, we are having breakdown of construction equipment due to substandard spare parts.

‘‘Building collapse has become a very disturbing phenomenon and these have a lot to do with substandard materials in construction especially concrete.’’

These are some of the areas that concern us and we are also here to collaborate with you to improve civil engineering practice, our profession and the society at large’’.

 The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineering is the umbrella body of all civil engineers in Nigeria and as you know, civil engineering is all about basic structures including buildings, bridges, roads, water supply, erosion control, etc. he stated.

We understand, one of the major problem is the capacity to regulate; the approved authorities, building control are there, but do they have adequate resources to monitor all on-going building construction work within their respective jurisdiction?, Ezugu queried. Sometimes building control agencies issue‘’Stop Work’’ order but the developers/ contractors continue with the work and these eventually result in collapses with the colossal loss of lives and properties.

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He said the  Institution has informed government and the public that the only way to ensure enforcement is by involving members of the Institution and other built environment professionals as the  regulatory agencies lack the resources to carry out the enforcement. He praised Lagos State Government who have started implementing this recommendation by calling for  expression of interest by built environment professionals in monitoring building projects in the state. Speaking further, Ezugu noted that the routine operations SON is very wide, which he said cut across monitoring materials, equipments in every sector of the economy, however NICE is concerned basically with civil engineering, construction and one of the basic materials used is steel reinforcement, “We also understood that many of the reinforcing steel  bars in the market do not meet required standard’, Ezugu noted, “there’s a code of practice for engineering and the code designate the minimum specifications of materials”, he   stated that most of the reinforcing bars made in Nigeria have problem, those imported into the country seem to be fairly better, because the code stipulated 500N/mm2 but between  350 and 400N/mm2 strength are found in our market, he added NICE National Chairman expressed engineers understand cement having categorization, however major cement used for basic construction is ordinary Portland Cement, meanwhile cement is not major problem for mixing, but rather the concrete used in the construction of buildings as it does not meet the specifications most of the times.

 NICE National Chairman informed the SON team led by DG that they visited them to officially invite the organization to the maiden edition of the Institutions Exhibition and Trade fair Construction Expo Africa (CEA) holding at the Landmark Event Centre V.I Lagos. Replying,the Director General, Standard Organization of Nigeria, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke said he was happy to receive the visitors, in his words, collaboration is very important with you and other relevant agencies. On building collapse, the DG stated, “it’s been a worrisome issue, having such occurrence in the country, in every building collapse, the question many people ask is what’s SON doing?”

 Most of our investigations have revealed, concrete mix has been very poor and that’s why I am very happy with this collaboration, let’s see how we can effectively regulate and monitor  this sector, there’s lots of things involved, so, all hands must be on deck, we really need your support as most times, building collapse has led to loss of lives.

 Speaking on steps already taken by the agency in reducing such occurrence, Dr Okeke said, SON has task force team that go around to over see what people do, our people also visit market to pick samples and test as well, in steel, we ensure every manufacturer has its own  mark, so, if we check through, we would know where it comes from most especially in collapsed buildings.

 The DG emphasized major problem in construction has been poor concrete mix, but does not know whether if it’s as a result of building materials costs that had gone up, adding people  seem to be wanting to save cost deliberately. I welcome this and promise whatever it takes to make this collaboration effective, we would do it.

The DG also reiterated the agency’s responsibility to ensure all products produced or  manufactured in the country meet required standardization, SON issue standard for all products manufactured in Nigeria and it’s backed by the constitution, he noted.

 The DG also noted that the organization will participate actively in the Institutions Exhibition and Trade Fair Construction Expo Africa.

The Federal Government has urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to remain steadfast in promoting quality and excellence in service delivery.

Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Nura Rimi, said this in a keynote address at the 2024 leadership retreat for management staff of SON in Uyo yesterday.

Represented by Dr Anietie Umoessien, the Director, Industrial Inspectorate Department, Rimi urged the participants to always drive for excellence in service delivery.

She said SON has a mandate to play a critical role in protecting the interests of consumers by insisting on safety, excellence and quality.

The PS said the theme for the retreat was significant to the organisation’s journey towards advancing the standardisation of products in the country.

Rimi further said that the theme reflected the Federal Government’s commitment towards realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As we converge under this guiding theme, we are reminded of the organisation’s critical role in protecting the interests of consumers and promoting industrial growth.

“It is also part of your mandate to enhance revenue generation and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

“It is therefore imperative for you to continuously strive for excellence, innovation and relevance in your pursuit of these objectives,” she said

Rimi urged SON management to imbibe  the culture of collaboration and creativity in order to unlock the full potential of the organisation.

Earlier, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that the organisation remained committed to ensuring excellence in all standardization.

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Okeke said that SON had a mission to uphold standards, promote quality, and ensure the safety of products in Nigeria.

He said that the retreat provided a unique platform to align strategies, enhance service delivery and explore innovative ways to generate revenue for a sustainable future.

“Together, we shall explore strategies to elevate our leadership capabilities and foster a culture of excellence within the organisation.

“To strengthen our leadership capabilities, we must focus on strategic thinking, effective communication, change management and innovation.

“These skills are vital for navigating the dynamic landscape of standards and regulations while driving continuous improvement and organisational growth,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the retreat is: “Service Optimization, Greater Effectiveness, and Revenue Enhancement for a Renewed Future”

●As steel producers seek SON intervention over marginalisation by union

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reiterated its commitment towards the nation’s economic and industrial growth in line with its statutory mandate.

It therefore maintained that no amount of blackmail and falsehood being peddled by agents of economic saboteurs would deter it from boosting product competitiveness and promoting investments across the country.

Reacting to recent media reports by Sahara Reporters, the agency stated that insinuations in some quarters that it has been shielding erring steel manufacturers were unfounded, malicious and remain the figment of the writers’ imagination.

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In a statement issued by the Director General, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, reiterated that the agency understands its mandate and will continue to discharge it in the interest of the nation and all stakeholders – manufacturers, importers, exporters, businessmen, dealers as well as products end-users.

“We know our work; we cannot be dissuaded by those who are pursuing selfish interest and agenda. We are working diligently to ensure that only standard and quality steel products are in circulation and on sale in the markets. Nobody can teach us our work, especially that of upholding quality and standards in the steel industry,” the SON boss stressed.

It may be recalled that the Iron Rods and Steel Dealers Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) had in a press statement recently signed by the National President, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, accused the SON of failing to prosecute erring steel manufacturing firms, including African Steel Limited.

But the SON DG explained that the provisions of the SON Act 2014, gives the agency powers to prosecute erring manufacturers whose products do not conform to the minimum requirements of the Nigeria industrial Standards (NIS).

According to Okeke, “The agency does not take its task lightly. However, in discharging this responsibility, the Organisation ensures that it follows due process by carrying out the specified laboratory tests and analyses to prove infractions or violations. You don’t go and shut down factories arbitrarily.

“The steel companies contribute immensely in jobs and employment opportunities. One steel company alone can have 3,000 workers directly and thousands of others, indirectly, handling hauling, scraps, and so on. So, they are big employers of labour. We work closely with them, regulate them rigorously and this enables us to have traceability for products not meant to be in the markets,” the SON DG emphasised.

The SON helmsman further assured the public that where a violation is identified and the culprit established, the organisation will not hesitate to bring down the full weight of the law on the perpetrator, no matter whose ox is gored.

The SON, he stressed, has been working tirelessly to bring sanity to the manufacturing ecosystem as well as boosting the confidence of both manufacturers and consumers by carrying out surprise raids on unscrupulous businesses in its quest to ensure strict adherence to standards at all times.

“As SON remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding consumer interest and promoting economic development, we call for constructive engagement from all stakeholders,” the SON chief stressed.

Meanwhile, the iron and steel manufacturers in the country have sent a save-our-soul message to the SON over what they described as unhealthy rivalry by members of the trade union.

Specifically, they decried the persecution by members of IRSDEUN, a situation they described as a disincentive to business and inimical to the growth and development of the sector at large.

In a statement by Oboh Idonogie, spokesperson to the Steel-MAN, the steel producers lamented that they have been facing increasing persecution as well as smear campaigns in the media against its members allegedly sponsored by IRSDEUN.

The steel makers disclosed that the due process set aside for the distribution and sale of steel products has been resisted and rejected by the key leaders of the iron dealers in the trade union for their selfish and personal interest.

According to Idonogie, “The traceability mark had issues. This happened to African Steel Limited and the company was sanctioned and made to remelt the product.”

But the steel distributors union had accused SON of failing to prosecute the erring manufacturers, alleging bias on the part of SON and threatening to take the matter to court.

The distributors equally claimed that “it was not the first time African Steel Limited would be sealed, just to be re-opened shortly and they would continue substandard production.

“In discharging this responsibility, the organisation ensures that it follows due process by carrying out the specified laboratory tests and analyses to determine product integrity.”

Expectedly, the steel producers have expressed their readiness to collaborate with the SON not only to sanitise the sector but equally to grow the nation’s industrial sector.

The manufacturers restated that no campaign of calumny would stop them from adherence to due process and ensuring fair trade and compliance to quality specifications in the nation’s steel industry.

They, therefore, maintained that they are satisfied with the commitment and level of SON’s interventions and regulation of the sector, urging the agency not to allow agents of disinvestment and those intent on monopolising the distribution and sale of steel products to discourage it from executing its statutory mandate.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) push for activation of the compressed natural gas vehicles is yielding positive results as the agency is working with relevant partners to bring the initiative into fruition.

The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke dropped this hint recently at a public forum in Abuja.

According to Okeke, the SON’s 80 approved standards for CNG for road vehicles and related appliances, is the surest way of ensuring compliance to quality assurance.

Working in collaboration with the team of Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) Michael Oluwagbemi, the SON boss noted that the agency is determined to make things work in line with its constitutional mandate as the standards bearer of the nation.

“If the standard for the implementation of CNG fails it means only one thing, SON has failed in its duty. The involvement of SON in CNG marks the beginning of the journey towards safer, more reliable, cheaper, environmentally sustainable, and most importantly alternative fuel utilization across the nation for road vehicles and other CNG-related appliances,” Okeke emphasised.

Okeke also noted that in developing and approving these standards, the agency is working in accordance with world best practice and striving to achieve a significant milestone in its effort to promote safety and quality in the energy sector.

It is worthy to note that CNG is a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fuels, with applications ranging from transportation to industrial processes.

The Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI) is a component of the palliative intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and one of the many steps the president has taken to ensure every Nigerian enjoys his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Following the inauguration of PCNGI, a Committee comprising relevant regulatory agencies such as, the National Midstream Down-stream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI) and other key stakeholders were set up.

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Justifying the drafting of the standards, Oluwagbemi said, “These 80 standards encompass a wide range of technical specifications and requirements, including CNG Conversion kit, Standards for electrical connections and vehicle Diagnostics, Standards for Road worthiness and Vehicle safety, Standards for CNG storage Vessels, Standards for CNG refuelling stations, and Guideline for installation of specific components to support the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for Vehicle propulsion.

“The development of these standards was a collaborative effort, bringing together industry experts, regulators, and stakeholders from across the country. Adhering to these standards offers numerous benefits. Some of the benefits are enhanced safety for consumers, workers, and the environment, improved reliability and efficiency in CNG operations among others.

“We want to say that this effort by SON to develop these standards imbibes the vision of the president to make life better for Nigerians. We are impressed by the speed and efficiency of SON to get this done. The approval of the 80 standards will get the industry started. With these 80 standards, we have the regulatory standards to start the industry and we hope that it will unlock the investment needed in the sector.”

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has seized fake and substandard tyres, solar batteries and baby feeding bottles products worth several billions of naira in Lagos.

The SON has evacuated the substandard products from the warehouses located in various markets in Lagos State as part of efforts to rid the country of unwholesome products.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke said the tyres were damaged because of the act of stuffing them into one another in containers for shipment.

Mr Pius Manji Director, Inspectorate and Compliance, Department who represented Okeke during the raids said the evacuation exercise was to ensure that the tyres do not find their ways into the nation’s market, adding that products have been tested but failed the critical parameters as a result of stuffing.

“The act of stuffing tyres into one another instead of bringing it in different containers has rendered the tyres dead on arrival into the country.”

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Pressed further, he said, “If they are to bring 2000 tyres in one container, they will now have the opportunity to bring in 8000 tyres and in doing that, this compromises the quality of the tyres.”

According to him,  “the tyres are made of wires and carbon and the test reviewed that the textile strength of the tyres have been compromised so they are no more fit for use and this is why we are going to destroy them. They may look nice in the eyes, but we rely on scientific investigation and analysis.”

The SON boss explained that solar batteries seized were fakes from known brands, but they could not withstand the rigours of the different quality testing, hence no longer safe for public use.

“These solar batteries are very expensive, so consumers must have value for the money. The world is going fossil energy, we will discourage anything that will hinder Nigerians from getting it right.”

He noted that it’s scandalous that some bad elements can go as far as producing counterfeit baby feeding bottles just to make more money.

He urged the bad elements involved in the heinous crime of importing adulterated products to look elsewhere as the SON has zero-tolerance for product counterfeiting.