The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has restated its commitment to sanitise and rid Nigerian markets of counterfeit and substandard products.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General and Chief Executive of the organisation, gave the assurance while declaring a one-day stakeholders workshop opened at the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) Hall in Onitsha on Saturday.

Okeke, who was represented by the Director, Public Relations Department, Mrs. Folusho Bolaji, said that the theme of the stakeholders workshop titled “SON requirements and compliance monitoring activities to curb influx and sale of substandard products in Nigeria.’’

According to him, SON remains steadfast in its mission to combat counterfeiters and protect the economy, no matter the individuals, sectors, or regions involved.

The director-general said that the primary objective of the stakeholders’ engagement was not only to raise awareness on all SON activities and related issues but also to enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

He added that the aim was to foster productive partnerships, particularly in alignment with the ongoing initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revamp the nation’s economy.

“Standardisation plays an important role in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), considering the fact that MSMEs are key to advancing the nation’s industrial and economic growth.

“Our major reasons to have assembled today, is to encourage all stakeholders in Onitsha to adhere to laid down procedures for the benefit of both parties and consumer safety.

“We require that all products manufactured in Nigeria be certified under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) through SON’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally produced goods”, he said.

In his response, President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Dr Humphrey Anuna, expressed gratitude to SON in its efforts to rid the Nigerian markets of substandard products.

Anuna pledged the traders’ support and collaboration to achieve the objective of SON.

Earlier, Mr Pious Manji, SON Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate, said the fight against the menace of substandard products was a collective responsibility by all stakeholders to rid Nigerian markets of fake, adulterated and substandard products.