The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced its initiative to bolster the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the country by streamlining the processes for certification and compliance with international standards. This initiative underscores SON’s commitment to align local manufacturing practices with global best practices, ensuring that Nigerian businesses can effectively compete both in local and international markets. A vital component of this support is the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme, which is specifically designed to help local manufacturers uphold quality and safety standards. These standards are crucial for gaining consumer trust, which is the bedrock for market penetration.
The significance of SON’s initiatives was emphasized by Theresa Ojomo, the Acting Regional Director for SON in Lagos. Speaking during the annual “Walk for Standards” event commemorating World Standards Day, she highlighted the agency’s efforts focused on quality assessment tailored to the needs of SMEs. Ojomo noted the importance of making standards accessible even for micro-enterprises, stating that organizations with limited infrastructure can still implement quality measures with SON’s backing. The approach SON is taking reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, especially concerning resource constraints.
SON is working to alleviate these challenges by making compliance with standards more affordable and less burdensome for SMEs. Ojomo pointed out that SON has implemented cost-effective programs in response to concerns from businesses about the high cost of maintaining quality standards. In a bid to further ease the certification process, SON has reduced the number of inspections required for micro-enterprises to just one per year. This simplified approach signifies SON’s commitment to making standards more approachable for smaller organizations and supporting their growth in a competitive marketplace.
Reiterating SON’s dedication to quality assurance, Yunusa Mohammed, Head of Codex, Nutrition and Tobacco Monitoring, emphasized the necessity of enforcing quality and safety standards to ensure consumer satisfaction. He noted that without proper product testing and adherence to established standards, it becomes impossible to guarantee product quality to consumers. To bolster these efforts, SON has made significant investments in advanced testing laboratories across Nigeria, which aim to provide essential testing services that assist SMEs in certifying their products for both domestic and international markets.
In line with SON’s comprehensive support strategy, Mohammed explained that the organization has developed a systematic approach to uplift SMEs, beginning with incubation programs where businesses receive the necessary guidance and monitoring. This structured support system is crucial for enabling small businesses to navigate the complexities of certification and quality assurance while honing their production processes. The aim of SON’s initiatives is not only to enhance business capabilities but also to position these enterprises to thrive in more competitive environments.
Adding to the discussion on SON’s expansive offerings, Stella Chamberlain-Okezie, SON’s Head of Marketing, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about SON’s certification schemes, particularly the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP). She reinforced the notion that SON serves as a global entity for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to address any concerns regarding product quality. By fostering an understanding of the resources available, SON aims to empower the industry, ensuring that quality standards are not just met but embraced as a pathway to enhanced business performance and consumer trust. Thus, SON’s initiatives are set to play a critical role in uplifting the SME sector, ultimately contributing to the broader economic development of Nigeria.
