Manufacturers have been urged to prioritise production of standard products to boost the competitiveness of locally-made goods, amid growing efforts to increase exports and reduce reliance on imports.

Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, made the call during the product listing of Green Conversion and Assembly Limited (G-CAL) in Kwara state.

Represented by the Kwara State coordinator, Oyepo AbdulRazaq, Okeke emphasised the importance of adhering to industrial standards, explaining that certified products guarantee value for money just as they can compete internationally.

He said this would boost consumer confidence, ensuring products meet quality, safety and value standards and encouraged Nigerians to back locally-made goods.

He disclosed that G-CAL is the first of its kind in the state and went on to urge the manufacturers to maintain compliance with standards to qualify for the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification. He explained that a product identification scheme is a system used to uniquely identify products, typically through codes, labels or markings.

Also speaking, assistant chief technical officer, SON, Ibukunolu Alasan, commended the organisation on its developmental strides but said there is still more work to be done.

Responding, manager, Kiowope Nig. Ltd, Bello Kamaldeen, said they have started exporting to other states in Nigeria but the goal is to export regionally first, then internationally. He commended SON for the support, assuring they would attain MANCAP status.