SON introduces simplified certification access for SMEs, boosting quality and safety compliance to meet global standards.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced initiatives to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) nationwide by streamlining access to certification, aligning with global quality and safety standards.
This effort aims to build consumer confidence and enable Nigerian businesses to thrive in both local and international markets.
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Theresa Ojomo, Acting Regional Director for SON in Lagos, underscored the importance of supporting SMEs in adhering to quality standards during the annual “Walk for Standards” event held in Lagos to celebrate World Standards Day.
“We are making standards accessible even to very small, micro-businesses,” Ojomo said, emphasising the role of SON’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), which assists local manufacturers in meeting certification requirements.
She highlighted that SON’s approach focuses on affordability and reduced bureaucracy to make certification achievable, particularly for smaller businesses facing resource constraints.
As part of this drive, SON has limited inspections for micro-enterprises to just once per year, making compliance easier and more cost-effective.
“The government and SON are ensuring that businesses of any size can imbibe standards,” she added.
Yunusa Mohammed, SON’s Head of Codex, Nutrition, and Tobacco Monitoring, reiterated SON’s dedication to enforcing product quality and safety standards to ensure consumers receive value for money.
“Without testing products against their standards, you cannot guarantee quality,” he stated. To support this, SON has established modern laboratories nationwide, providing SMEs with crucial testing and certification services, enhancing the credibility of Nigerian products on a global scale.
In addition to certification, SON has introduced a phased support system for small businesses.
“Our system offers incubation, with businesses tutored and monitored through the entire process,” Mohammed explained, noting that the scheme is designed to elevate SMEs from the foundational stages to meet advanced market requirements.
Stella Chamberlain-Okezie, SON’s Head of Marketing, also highlighted the range of services the agency offers. “SON is a global resource,” she said, “whether for manufacturers, retailers, or consumers with product concerns, SON is here to provide support.”
Chamberlain-Okezie encouraged businesses to take advantage of SON’s MANCAP programme and other certifications as a pathway to quality compliance and competitive advantage.
The initiative is set to increase awareness and participation in SON’s certification programmes, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape and promoting sustainable growth among SMEs.
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