By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged manufacturers in Nigeria to prioritise production of standard products in the country.
The Director-General (D-G) of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, made the call on Tuesday in Ilorin during the Product Listing for the Green Conversion and Assembly Limited (G-CAL) in Ilorin.
Okeke, who was represented by the Kwara State Coordinator, Alhaji Oyepo AbdulRazaq, emphasised the importance of adhering to Nigerian industrial standards.
He explained that certified products guarantee value for money just as they can compete internationally.
“Nigerian manufacturers should keep on striving so that they make the minimum required standards,” he said.
According to him, this will increase consumers’ trust and guarantee quality, safety, and value for money.
Okeke emphasised that producing quality and standardised products would encourage Nigerians to continue patronising and take pride in Made-in-Nigeria goods.
He disclosed that the Green Conversion and Assembly Limited is the first of its kind in Kwara.
He stated that SON presented the company with a product listing certificate and urged the manufacturers to maintain compliance with standards to qualify for the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification.
He explained that product identification scheme is a system used to uniquely identify products, typically through codes, labels, or markings.
The D-G added that SON promotes the use of identification schemes like barcodes or product numbering to track products, ensure authenticity, and facilitate recall when necessary.
Also speaking, the Assistant Chief Technical Officer of SON, Mrs Ibukunolu Alasan, commended the organisation on its developmental strides.
She noted that products from the company falls under electrical and mechanical products.
“There is still more work to be done. The product needs to be certified with MANCAP, so as to be identified in town,” she said.
She said four products would be certified, with each unique number valid for one year and subject to renewal, while reminding manufacturers that “quality has beginnings, but without ends”.
In his response, Mr Bello Kamaldeen, the Manager of Kiowope Nig. Ltd, said their finished product is becoming widely accepted as they have started exporting to other states in Nigeria.
Kamaldeen noted that the company had delivered about 10 buses to the University of Lagos and that many commercial motorists are patronising the firm to convert their petrol-powered tricycles to electric ones.
He commended SON for the support and supervision in upholding standards, while assuring that the company would strive towards attaining the MANCAP status.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the products that received certification include Kiowope, Buffalo, Buffalo X and ASABI.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
