SON ramps up efforts to standardise locally-made goods

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is ramping up efforts to standardise locally manufactured products, including the widely recognised Made-in-Aba brands, to strengthen their marketability.

The agency’s Director, South East Region, Aharanwa Chuks, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to ensuring Nigerian-made products meet rigorous quality benchmarks.

At the heart of the efforts is the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), a regulatory framework designed to certify that all locally produced goods align with the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

“This process includes inspecting production facilities, sampling products, and conducting quality tests to confirm compliance with NIS requirements. Successful manufacturers receive the MANCAP certification, which serves as a mark of adherence to national quality standards,” he said.

He noted that the goal is to empower local manufacturers with the knowledge and tools needed to elevate their products to internationally accepted quality levels.

“For instance, leather manufacturers in Aba have been sensitised on standardisation practices to enhance the global competitiveness of their products,” he said.