The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing standardisation and supporting local enterprises with the commissioning of the Sokoto Office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The office was commissioned by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh.
The Minister stated that the commissioning of the Sokoto office marks a crucial step towards decentralising SON’s operations and bringing essential regulatory services closer to the people of Sokoto and the wider North-West region.
He emphasised that the office will support industries where the state has a comparative advantage, such as agriculture, leather processing, solid minerals, textiles, and food production.
The Minister noted that the establishment of the office reflects the government’s commitment to deepening industrial development and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation as a producer of quality goods and services.
He called on stakeholders to collaborate closely with SON to ensure that Sokoto’s products can compete confidently in both domestic and international markets.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the new office will enhance the organisation’s capacity for product certification, inspection, testing, market surveillance, and stakeholder engagement across Sokoto and neighboring states.
He emphasised that the office will support local producers, MSMEs, and exporters in meeting the standards required for market access and trade competitiveness.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, said the commissioning of the office represents another important stride in the nation’s collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure and bring essential services closer to the people.
He stressed that standards are essential for growth, inspiring confidence, facilitating trade, and ensuring that Nigerian products are respected globally.
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