The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring consumers receive value for their money through its activities.
Theresa Ojomo, Acting Regional Director of SON’s Lagos Region, made this statement during the Lagos Region’s road walk commemorating the 2024 World Standards Day [1).
The annual World Standards Day is celebrated on October 14th, with this year’s theme being “Our Shared Vision for a Better World.”
Ojomo emphasized that SON plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) by focusing on infrastructure, innovation, and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through products like MANCAP and SONCAP.
To make standardization more accessible, SON has introduced affordable schemes for MSMEs, breaking down the process into manageable steps for even the smallest organizations.
The agency only visits micro and nano-businesses once a year, aiming to make certification more affordable and less cumbersome.
Ojomo stressed that SON’s primary objective is to provide assurance to consumers through production certification and standardization.
This involves conducting tests to ensure products meet prerequisite requirements, issuing product identification, and guaranteeing value for money.
SON’s efforts align with the federal government’s initiatives to combat counterfeit and substandard products.
The agency collaborates with international standardization bodies to align national standards with global best practices, facilitating trade integration.
In a related development, the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, expressed concern over the exploitation of African consumers through misleading advertisements, counterfeit products, and substandard services.
She emphasized the importance of standardization in protecting consumers and promoting quality goods and services ².
The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, also reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from exploitation.
SON has been working closely with stakeholders, including market leaders and traders, to combat the proliferation of substandard products ².
By prioritizing standardization and quality assurance, SON aims to promote a healthier, more prosperous, and successful nation.
As consumers, we can rely on SON’s efforts to ensure the products we buy meet international standards, providing value for our hard-earned money.
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