SON targets December deadline for completion of metrology institute

Forex to be saved through NMI
In a move to save the economy foreign exchange being spent to calibrate local manufactured products overseas, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has hinted on the plans to begin offering the services before the end of the year.

Specifically, the organisation, in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is working to ensure that the National Metrology Institute (NMI) is completed, as the custodian of national measurement standards with the highest measurement reference in the country.

Speaking at the commemoration of the World Metrology Day 2016 in Lagos, Director of Metrology and Instruments SON, Obiora Marafa, said that the country was long overdue for the National Metrology Institute to offer those measurement services that are currently sought overseas.

Marafa observed that since 1875 and the inauguration of the Metre Convention, countries around the world had put in place scientific measurement standards that all goods and products must comply with to be acceptable in the international market.

He added that the agreement on measurement standards were in line with the imperative of measuring accurately in all spheres of life, be it domestic or industrial.

He said Nigeria, a member of the international community, is often on the receiving end due to difficulty of complying with the global best practices.

His words: “Our yams are being rejected today in other countries not because they are not good or sweet. Actually they are, but where they lack certificates from accredited national Institute of metrology to accompany them on the export journey, then there is a problem.

“Today, I am happy to inform you that SON is addressing that problem with the Nigerian Metrology Institute. Once it is completed, it will eliminate the incidence of inaccurate and short measures in trade, manufacturing, export and import activities in Nigeria.

It will also be the highest body giving accuracy level in the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) region. It will compete with those of South Africa, Germany and so on,” Marafa said.

The NMI, currently under construction in Enugu one year after construction commenced, will among other functions, ensure the declaration of the country’s Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) at the BIPM; guarantee traceability of National Primary Standards to SI units and transferring the traceability from the National Primary Standards to the calibration and testing laboratories as well as industry and other end users.

The institute will also ensure participation in international inter-comparisons and organising the national comparisons; development of metrology in the country by means of training, education and up-dating of staff of the NMI and other calibration bodies to innovations in metrology among others.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, congratulated stakeholders that have contributed to the development of metrology in the country, adding that they must key into the dynamics of measurement, which is the main emphasis of this year’s celebration.

Enelamah recalled that the Metre Convention of 1875 ushered in an era of modern discoveries, inventions and commerce, all of which are still growing till date.

He urged the private sector, manufacturers, researchers and other stakeholders to continue to practice according to standards for national development.

Acting Director General of SON, Dr. Paul Angya, said that Nigeria aligns with the rest of the world in commemorating the day, particularly in line with the importance of scientific measurement to economic development, innovations and industrial growth.
Angya said that the theme: ‘Measurement in a dynamic world’, was apt, to reflect the changing modern world.