SON Urges Collective Commitment to Quality, Standardisation

Daji Sani in Yola

The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, yesterday emphasised the critical role of standardisation in driving the nation’s economic development. 

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, Dr. Okeke called on stakeholders from various sectors to commit to a culture of quality and standardisation.

According to the SON boss, standardisation is the bedrock of industrial growth, consumer protection, innovation, and international trade.

He stressed that without strong, applicable, and enforceable standards, there can be no sustainable economic advancement. 

The SON Director General highlighted the importance of integrating standards into business practices to promote innovation, improve product quality, and enhance global competitiveness.

He explained that the workshop aimed to sensitise stakeholders on the significance of standards in achieving collective goals, improving product quality, and enhancing safety and efficiency.

According to him, standardisation is not a burden but a bridge to competitiveness, prosperity, and national pride.

“To achieve its vision, SON is expanding its Product Identification Scheme (PIS) to strengthen traceability, combat counterfeiting, and empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to grow with integrity.

 “The organisation is also enhancing its laboratory and metrology infrastructure to support local industries with accurate testing and certification services,” he said

He called on every Nigerian entrepreneur to embrace the culture of quality, farmers to see value in good agricultural practices, manufacturers to invest in compliance, and citizens to reject substandard products and reward excellence.

He emphasised that together Nigerians can build a nation whose products command respect, industries create jobs, and economy stands strong powered by standards.

The SON DG, who concluded by committing to a simple but powerful creed: “Nigeria First, Standards Always,” expressed optimism that with collective commitment, Nigeria can achieve sustainable economic development and become a major player in the global economy.