By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged manufacturers in Nigeria to prioritize producing standard products in the country.
The Director-Genera 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 emphasized the importance of adhering to Nigerian industrial standards.
.
He explained that certified products guarantee value for money and 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 consumer trust, and guarantee quality, safety, and value for money.
Okeke emphasised that standard products will encourage Nigerians to keep on patronizing and have pride in Made-in-Nigeria goods.
Similarly the Director General explained that the Green Conversion and Assembly Limited is the first of its kind in Kwara.
He stated that SON is awarding certificate of Product listing to the company, and advised the manufacturers to continue to comply with standards, so as to receive Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification.
The D-G explained that product identification scheme is a system used to uniquely identify products, typically through codes, labels, or markings.
Okeke 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 their development stride.
She noted that the product of 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 added that four of the products will receive certifications, adding that each number is unique to the product, and last for just a year, which can also be renewed.
Alasan reminded the manufacturers that quality has beginnings, but without ends.
In his response, Mr Bello Kamaldeen, the Manager of Kiowope Nig. Limited said their finished product is becoming widely accepted as they have started exporting to other States in Nigeria.
Kamaldeen pointed out that the company has supplied University of Lagos about 10 busses, while many commercial motorists are engaging the company to covert their tricycle from using petrol to electric tricycle.
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 certificates includes Kiowope, Buffalo, Buffalo X and ASABI.
