The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has issued a call to Nigerian manufacturers, urging them to adopt standardization practises for their products in order to foster economic progress inside the nation.
The Director General, Mallam Farouk Salim, issued this statement during a one-day workshop aimed at raising awareness among stakeholders in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The session, held on Monday, focused on the theme of ‘Promoting Export and Economic Growth Through Standardisation and Quality Assurance’.
According to Salim, as conveyed by the Director of the South-South area,Mr. Usman Mohammed, it is imperative for Nigeria to transition from its reliance on imports and instead prioritise the promotion of exports.
The Director-General emphasised the necessity for manufacturers in the country to adhere to global standards in order for their products to be accepted in international markets. It is imperative that manufacturers prioritise the quality and standard of their products to ensure their competitiveness on a global scale.
“The essence of this sensitisation today is to create awareness among our manufacturers and exporters on the importance of standardisation of products.
“The major problem we are having is depending on imported goods. If you ask people why they are not buying Nigerian products, they will say it is not of standard.
“So, if our manufacturers do not gear up to do their products using the required standard and also carrying out necessary quality assurance procedures the quality of our products will not improve.
“That is why we are carrying out this sensitisation to enlighten our manufacturers and educate them on an important factor, which is standardisation.
“There is no magic on earth you will do to improve the value of your currency if you do not improve your export drive. That is why we are going out to carry out this sensitisation to educate the general public,” Salim said.
According to him, SON is not just a regulatory organisation but also a trade facilitation organisation tasked with making sure that both domestically produced goods and those imported comply with the standards’ bare minimums.
“Our major concern is not to close down companies but to advise them, give them the necessary information on how to improve the quality of their products,’’ he added.
