The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has issued a clarion call to Nigerians, urging them to identify and report individuals and enterprises responsible for saturating markets with counterfeit, substandard, and inferior products.
This appeal was made by the agency’s Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop themed “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Okeke, who was represented by Mrs. Talutu Ethan, SON’s Director of Corporate Affairs, underscored the critical role of collective action in tackling the menace of low-quality goods.
“The aim of this workshop is to strengthen and deepen stakeholders’ understanding of standardisation and how it can support business growth,” Ethan said.
Highlighting the link between product quality and business image, she added, “Customers want to know not just what you produce, but how you produce it. Whether it’s the rice mills in Ikwo, palm oil processors in Afikpo, or block moulders and welders across Abakaliki, Ebonyi’s productive strength is evident. However, to compete in premium markets, products must meet established standards.”
Okeke reaffirmed that the purpose of standardisation is not to create obstacles, but to enhance producers’ credibility and ensure that their goods gain reliable access to markets.
“This workshop is not just about education or empowerment. We want every participant to leave with practical knowledge on how standardisation can help achieve business goals,” she stated.
She outlined sector-specific benefits of standard compliance:
For farmers and food processors: adherence to hygiene, packaging, and labeling requirements boosts product value.
For traders and cooperatives: certification opens the door to broader markets.
For young business owners: standardisation improves brand integrity.
For importers and manufacturers: understanding SONCAP and MANCAP requirements simplifies regulatory processes.
“SON is not here to penalize, but to support. We are decentralizing services, enhancing digital access, and bringing assistance closer to the people through training, testing, and faster certification processes,” Ethan explained.
She further cautioned about the risks posed by counterfeit products: “When one trader floods the market with fake products, it damages the reputation of genuine producers. Our enforcement is active, but we need the support and vigilance of the public.”
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Lawal Ayanda, a resource person at the event, advocated for the use of certified local products, especially in the electrical sector.
“Nigerian-made cables are flame retardant and of high quality. Every genuine Nigerian cable bears the SON logo,” Ayanda said.
The workshop drew participation from several strategic institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, NAFDAC, FRSC, Nigeria Immigration Service, among others.
