Yemisi Izuora
The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is providing needed support to bolster nationwide infrastructure for the conversion process of automobiles from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (Gas), which is driven by the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PiCNG).
The Organization said it has already adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products to ensure quality service delivery in the transport sector.
The SON has also developed the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS) to ensure consumers receive value for their money.
The Director General (DG) of the SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, speaking at the celebration of this year’s World Standards Day, in addition said the Agency has equally adopted and release of hundreds of standards for products development.
Okeke while emphasizing SON’s commitment to standardization, quality assurance, and conformity assessment, said this year’s theme, ” SHARED VISION FOR A BETTER WORLD: SPOTLIGHT ON SDG 9-INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AGE OF AI,” was apt and also in line with President Bola Tinubu Renewed Home to agenda to boost economic growth.
Okeke said that standardisation was the bedrock of any nation ‘s economic development
“Standardization is the bedrock of any nation’s economic development,” Dr. Okeke stated. “Therefore, adherence to standards is imperative.”
He highlights the role of collaboration and standardization in driving economic transformation and sustainable development.
“We have made significant strides in promoting standardization and quality assurance, supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development,” he said
To celebrate World Standards Day, he said SON has planned several activities with a roadshow ceremony to mark the beginning of the cebrations
He explained that road roadshows will also take place in Geopolitical Zones with the week.
Others includes outreach programs to engage with stakeholders and promote standardization
*Virtual Training for MSMEs*: Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to enhance their manufacturing processes
Okeke emphasized that these activities aim to support both large and small firms in navigating international best practices in manufacturing.
He also highlighted the importance of mentoring in creating access for Nigerian products in the export market.
The SON, he went on to say has awarded about 500 products the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate to over 500 products
It has trained over 1,000 stakeholders on standards and quality assurance, established 15 National Technical Committees to set up Committees to develop and review Nigerian standards in ensuring quality service process and production for goods and services
Okeke commended SON’s management, staff, and stakeholders for their efforts. “SON remains committed to improving life through standardization, fostering consumer confidence, and enhancing global competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products.”
As the national standards body, SON will continue to play its role in facilitating business and promoting standardization, quality assurance, and conformity assessment, he assured.
The over 500 participants that took part on the roadshow to create awareness on standards were drawn from private sector, NGO, government ministries and agencies.