Tag: The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said it is promoting the “Nigeria First” policy by creating more awareness for locally manufactured products in the interest of the consumers.

In contributing to the nation’s economic growth, SON said it recognises the role that high quality products play in sustainable development.

In a statement, it said: “We firmly believe in the power of the ‘Nigeria First’ policy to drive sustainable economic growth and empower our local industries.

“A cornerstone of this vision is the strategic domestication of demand, a conscious and collective effort to prioritise Nigerian-made goods and services.”

The organisation said it has led a campaign for the standardisation of products to create a competitive market for the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

It noted that quality products boost consumer confidence as well as create product preference that grows customer base.

“By actively choosing products manufactured within our borders, we create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire economic ecosystem,” SON said.

The organisation stressed that an increased demand for local products directly translates to more jobs for Nigerians across various sectors – from manufacturing and agriculture to logistics and retail.

“Supporting indigenous industries fuels economic expansion, leading to increased GDP, innovation, and overall prosperity for our nation.

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“As local industries grow so does the need for specialised skills, fostering human capital development and technological advancement within the country,” the organisation said.

In making sure the economy of the country continues to grow, SON restated its role at ensuring that Nigerian-made products meet highest quality standards.

“By choosing locally certified goods, consumers are assured of safety and reliability.

“Patronising Nigerian products fosters a sense of national pride and strengthens our collective identity. SON is dedicated to facilitating the success of the ‘Nigeria First’ project,” SON said.

The standardisation body stressed that in order to drive the Made-in-Nigeria first product project, SON is developing and enforcing rigorous quality standards for locally manufactured goods.

The organisation said its core mandate includes “providing guidance and support to Nigerian industries to enhance their competitiveness as well as raising consumer awareness about the importance and benefits of buying Nigerian-made products and combating the influx of substandard and counterfeit products that undermine local businesses”.

It advised individuals, businesses, and government agencies to actively embrace the “Nigeria First” policy by making conscious choices to prioritize locally made products.

“Let us work together to domesticate demand, build a stronger Nigeria, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come,” SON added.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) have joined forces to promote standardisation and conformity assessment as part of efforts to revamp the nation’s automotive sector.

This historic collaboration was formalised during a meeting between SON’s Director General/Chief Executive, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, and his NADDC counterpart, Mr. Joseph Osanipin in Abuja.

The partnership is expected to streamline processes, improve the quality of automotive products, and significantly boost the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The duo reached a consensus on several crucial areas of cooperation, including team efforts to develop standards that meet international best practices and ensure that developed standards are effectively implemented across the automotive industry.

Justifying the need for the initiative, the SON boss said the collaboration will help to create regulations and policies to enable the automobile industry to contribute its quota to the nation’s socioeconomic development.

Okeke said that by promoting standardisation and conformity assessment, SON and NADDC aim to improve the quality of automotive products, increase customer satisfaction, and enhance the sector’s competitiveness globally.

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“As Nigeria’s automotive industry continues to evolve, this partnership is expected to play a critical role in shaping its future. With SON and NADDC working together, the sector is poised for significant growth and development, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic prosperity,” Okeke said.

On his part, the NADDC boss noted that the partnership with the SON is a significant step towards achieving the NADDC’s goal of developing a vibrant and sustainable automotive industry in Nigeria.

He urged other stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, and regulatory agencies, to join hands with the NADDC and SON to create a conducive environment for the growth and development of the automotive sector.