Uche Cecil Izuora
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) offered sensitization capacity for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Oyo State.
The exercise bothers on the importance and requirements of the Product Identification (PI) Scheme as part of efforts to strengthen standards compliance and improve the quality of locally manufactured products.
The sensitisation programme was facilitated by SON consultant, Mrs. Tosan Akin-Akosile, who provided participants with detailed information on the background of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and the need for the PI Scheme.
Akin-Akosile explained that the PI Scheme was introduced to provide a more accessible pathway to standards compliance for eligible MSME products, particularly products for which no applicable Nigerian standard currently exists.
She said the scheme was primarily designed to support and groom MSMEs while ensuring that products meet acceptable quality requirements. She highlighted key aspects of the scheme, including product categorisation, financial obligations and laboratory considerations.
According to her, PI certification is renewable annually, while products can operate under the scheme for a maximum period of three years before migrating to MANCAP where applicable.
The consultant encouraged MSME operators to embrace the scheme, stressing that compliance would help improve product quality and competitiveness, strengthen consumer confidence and contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
She further emphasised that the PI Scheme is compulsory for eligible MSME products and urged entrepreneurs to comply with all relevant SON requirements.
The programme featured an interactive session during which participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and sought further clarification on the PI Scheme and other SON compliance requirements.
The event was covered by the Oyo State Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Aderinto J.O.