Thursday, June 18, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

SON enjoins firms to pursue certification for int’l competitiveness

Importation of substandard goods fueling insecurity – SON DG

By Merit Ibe

As part of efforts at transforming Nigerian companies, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged organisations to get the management systems certification (MSC) for global visibility.

Assistant  Director, Mrs Rabi Idakwo, gave  the advice yesterday, during a one-day capacity-building workshop for media stakeholders, where she explained that with a growing number of certified institutions across key sectors, SON-MSC is raising the bar for quality, safety, and global competitiveness.

The SON MSC is a structured framework used by organizations to manage operations, improve efficiency, and meet objectives. These systems support risk management, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement, helping businesses deliver consistent, high-quality products and services.

Established in 1994, SON-MSC is Nigeria’s national body for third-party management systems certification. Accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), USA, and formerly by NABCB, India, SON-MSC operates in line with ISO/IEC 17021:2015 standards, ensuring global credibility. Idakwo  noted  that organizations certified by SON-MSC enjoy a wide range of benefits which include improved operational efficiency and reduced errors through standardized processes; Increased customer satisfaction due to consistent quality and a customer-focused approac; Access to global markets and competitive advantage, among other benefits.

According to her, the  certification demonstrates that an organization is “Tested and Trusted”, giving clients confidence and peace of mind when doing business.

She emphasized that SON-MSC is not just a mark of quality, but a strategic investment as  certified organizations are more likely to be globally recognized, achieve sustainable growth,  offer better services and staff welfare, contribute to economic growth and Nigeria’s international image.

In his address, Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, highlighted the media’s critical role in advancing the Nigeria First Policy.

He urged journalists to help promote the patronage of locally made certified products and to sensitize the public and manufacturers on the benefits of compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards.

Dr. Okeke also called attention to SON’s key initiatives such as MANCAP (Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme), product certification schemes, and their role in helping Nigeria leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

On his part, Head of Electrical Laboratory SON, Lawal Ismaila, an engineer advised Nigerians to prioritize the use of locally made products, especially electrical components like cables, which he described as among the best in the world.

Ismaila warned against patronizing adulterated or substandard products and urged consumers to buy from genuine sources.

“Many Nigerian-made cables meet international standards. What we need is to support local manufacturers and avoid substandard imports that endanger lives.”

He reiterated that buildings should be equipped with thunder arresters and properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards. “Houses should be connected to the earth for protection.”