Yemisi Izuora
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Sokoto State Office, has engaged Foam Manufacturers Association (FMA) through a sensitisation meeting focused on standards compliance and quality assurance.
The meeting, held at the SON Sokoto Office Complex, specifically addressed key issues including MANCAP certification, quality control, consumer protection and the adoption of the new MANCAP logo.
The newly posted State Coordinator, Mr. Balarabe Ali Mohammed, who received the association’s executives on behalf of the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in meeting applicable quality and safety requirements.
Mohammed also highlighted the importance of MANCAP certification for products within its scope, noting that certification plays a critical role in assuring consumers of the quality and safety of locally manufactured products.
A major focus of the engagement was the discontinuation of the old MANCAP logo. Mohammed urged manufacturers to ensure that only the valid and authorised logo is displayed on certified products.
He stressed that the September 30, 2026 deadline for the discontinuation of the old logo remains sacrosanct, urging manufacturers to take necessary steps to ensure full compliance.
The FMA executives appreciated SON for organising the sensitisation meeting and pledged their cooperation towards the certification of foam mattresses and other related products.
Alhaji Faruk and Mr. Musa Said expressed their commitment to working with SON to achieve compliance, while the association’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Emeka Okoro, raised concerns over the cost of certification.
Another member of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Anameke, highlighted the impact of imported Chinese foam mattresses on local manufacturers, noting the competitive pressure faced by domestic producers.
Responding to the concerns, Mohammed assured the manufacturers of SON’s guidance and technical support within the organisation’s mandate.
He encouraged the manufacturers to sustain engagement with SON and comply with applicable Nigerian Industrial Standards to improve product quality and protect consumers.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by SON and the Foam Manufacturers Association to strengthen standards compliance and promote the production and consumption of quality and safe foam products in Sokoto State.