From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is collaborating with the Association Senegalese de Normalization (ASN) and key process owners on international organization for standardization on Non-Sewered Sanitation systems in Nigeria.
During a workshop over the weekend the Director General of SON Mallam Farouk Salim noted that the aim of the workshop is to present a comprehensive diagnosis of the legal, regulatory and normative framework for sanitation in Nigeria and by extension Africa is to allow for development and targeted strategies for the successful implementation of ISO standards as well as the Nigeria Industrial standards in Nigeria.
The DG who was represented by the Director Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Dr Justin Nickaf highlighted the sanitation situation in Nigeria stating that the workshop is part of the project for the adoption and implementation of standards for onsite sanitation in sub-sahara Africa.
“The purpose of the standardization work is to enable the development of standards along the sanitation system designed to address basic sanitation needs and promote economic, social and environmental sustainability”, he said.
The SON DG urged the experts to deploy their expertise to ensure that the objective of this laudable project is achieved.
He applauded all international agencies and standard bodies present for their dedication towards improving the lives of Africans and Nigerians in particular through standardization.
In his address, the Director General, Association Senegalaise de Normalization (ASN) Mr. EL Hadji Abdourahmane Ndione appreciated SON and all stakeholders present for collaborating with ASN to execute the vision of ensuring the adoption and successful execution of these standards to achieve a healthy continent through the development and implementation of the standards.
Also speaking the Director of Industry, Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Mr. Nyamba Djakaridja expressed gratitude to ISO for providing technical support to the regional standardization bodies while applauding the Nigerian Authority through SON for hosting and collaborating with ASN to achieve the project in Nigeria.
Djakaridja emphasized the importance of standards and urged all participants to actively engaged in discussion, share insights and collaborate to create a part that not only meet ISO standards but also addresses the specific needs and challenges of Nigeria.
He charged the experts to set an example for other sub-Saharan African countries stating that deliberation from the workshop would make significant contributions to improving sanitation practices across the region.