The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) said it has certified 17,866 locally manufactured products from 8,634 companies under its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), up from 1,930 products by 458 companies when the scheme commenced in 2006.

SON’s Director-General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, disclosed this at the 2026 National MANCAP Quality Presentation stakeholders’ forum, marking the programme’s 20th anniversary, amid growing concerns over the proliferation of fake and substandard products that have taken over the market.

He said the scheme was introduced to promote fair competition among local manufacturers, protect consumers from unsafe and fake products as well as support economic diversification by ensuring that locally manufactured goods meet the requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). He added that enforcing standard certification in the production of locally made goods, among other steps, is an effort the organisation is taking to fight substandard goods and restore sanity in the space.

According to him, the growth in certified products and participating companies reflects efforts to strengthen quality assurance and improve the competitiveness of made-in-Nigeria products.

MANCAP is mandatory for locally manufactured products and involves factory inspections, product sampling, laboratory testing and compliance reviews before certification. Certificates are renewable every three years, subject to annual surveillance inspections and testing.

Speaking on the theme: “Building Trust in Quality and Safety Ecosystem,” the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, who represented the minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said sustaining the programme was critical to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and expanding the market for locally manufactured goods.

He stressed that manufacturers who consistently meet certification requirements should be encouraged, noting that quality, safety and reliability were essential to building consumer confidence at home and improving access to international markets.

“Quality must become a driver of industrial growth, not just something done for regulatory compliance,” he said, urging stronger coordination among government institutions and improved access to technical support for manufacturers.

Isokpunwu called for standards to be integrated into every stage of production, from product design and raw material sourcing to manufacturing, packaging and distribution, saying this would help businesses reduce waste, improve efficiency and protect their reputation

He added that stronger compliance and credible certification would support local production, attract foreign investment, create jobs and increase non-oil exports.

He said they would continue to work with SON and the private sector to strengthen quality standards, protect consumers and open new markets for Nigerian products.