Quality products: SON gives marching orders to Nigerian manufacturers

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged manufacturers in Nigeria to produce quality products of high standards, that will compete favourably with those in international markets.

The Director-General (DG) 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,” Okeke 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.

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 DG explained that the 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 company on its development stride.

Alasan 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.

Alasan said that four of the products will receive certifications, adding that each number is unique to the product, and will last for a year, after which it can be renewed.

She reminded the manufacturers that quality has beginnings, but without ends.

In his response, Mr Bello Kamaldeen, the Manager of Kiowope Nig. Limited said the finished product is becoming widely accepted as they have started exporting to other states in Nigeria.

Kamaldeen said that the company has supplied University of Lagos about 10 buses, while many commercial motorists are engaging the company to convert their tricycles from using petrol to electricity.

He commended SON for the support and supervision in upholding standards, while assuring that the company would strive towards attaining the MANCAP status.

Some of the products that received certificates include Kiowope, Buffalo, Buffalo X and ASABI.