From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have warned producers and suppliers in Ebonyi State against flooding the markets in the state with substandard products.
The Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop tagged “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” in Abakaliki, said that substandard items were not good for a growing economy.
Okeke, represented by Mrs Talatu Ethan, Director, Corporate Affairs Department of SON, said the workshop was aimed at strengthening and deepening stakeholders’/operators’ knowledge, understanding, and cooperation with the organisation concerning standardisation activities for growing businesses.
He noted that standards adherence and compliance remain a major way to attain economic and industrial growth.
“Today’s economy’s reputation is as important as customers want to know not only what you produce, but how.
“For our goods to reach premium markets within and beyond our borders, they must meet established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude or frustrate producers.
“SON is committed to fighting against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.
“We cannot do it alone; we need your support. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.
“Standards are not rules from above; they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, said he was committed to fighting against fake and inferior products in the markets.
Orajaka, however, pledged support to SON to get rid of substandard goods across the markets in the country.
He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taking them to the market.
A resource person, Mr Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on the topic “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation,” said the importance of using made-in-Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires, could not be overemphasised.
Ayanda described made-in-Nigeria cables as the best due to their resistance to fire.
“Nigerian cables are flame-retardant. They resist fire. All Nigerian cables have SON logos,” he stated.
Mrs Maryrose Ugwuche, State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, thanked all the stakeholders for their support in its activities in the state.