The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen standardisation, quality assurance, and metrology systems as part of broader efforts to accelerate industrial development, protect consumers, and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
The commitment was reiterated during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in Abuja.
A statement issued by the agency on Thursday said the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasised standardisation and accurate measurement systems as critical tools for economic development, industrial productivity, and consumer confidence.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of the North-West Zonal Office, Labaran Mohammed, the minister said the Federal Government had intensified measures aimed at curbing the spread of substandard products through stronger regulations, upgraded testing facilities, and the digitalisation of processes.
According to her, reliable standards and measurement systems remain vital tools for improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.
“The Federal Government remains committed to addressing the challenge of substandard products through improved quality regulation and enforcement mechanisms,” she stated.
Oduwole further disclosed that the National Metrology Institute and regional laboratories located in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt had continued to provide calibration, testing, and quality assurance services across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, stressed that dependable measurement systems were essential for transparency, industrialisation, and sustainable national development.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Weights and Measures, Mr Salim Mohammed, Enoh said accurate measurements formed the foundation for credible data, evidence-based policymaking, and public trust in institutions.
He noted that sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, trade, and environmental management depended heavily on reliable measurements to guarantee safety, quality assurance, and economic progress.
Enoh called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to collaborate with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in promoting standardisation and accurate measurements to support economic growth and consumer protection.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Okeke, described metrology — the science of measurement — as a key pillar for industrial production, healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, and international trade.
Okeke said governments, industries, and consumers depended on trusted measurement systems for informed decision-making, protection of public interest, and national development.
“Without accurate measurements, industries cannot guarantee quality, consumers cannot trust products, and businesses cannot compete effectively in the global market,” he said.
He added that SON had continued to strengthen Nigeria’s national measurement system through investments in laboratories, calibration services, and quality assurance infrastructure, while expanding access to testing and calibration services nationwide.
The SON boss further stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s measurement systems with international standards to enable locally manufactured products gain wider acceptance in global markets.
Chairman of the Standards Council of SON, Yahuza Inuwa, represented by council member Mr Adeyemi Adebayo, said the council would sustain support for policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and quality infrastructure.
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He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policymaking,” underscored the importance of accurate measurements in governance and economic planning.
Representatives from various sectors also highlighted the relevance of metrology to their industries.
A representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Jerry Ainoko, described accurate measurements as crucial to transparency, accountability, environmental monitoring, and revenue management in the oil and gas sector.
Similarly, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, represented by Mr Adeyemi Folorunso, said product quality and accurate standards remained essential for Nigerian manufacturers to compete effectively under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Charles Anosike, represented by Mr Usman Abdulrahman, also emphasised the role of precise measurements in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Meanwhile, calibration service providers expressed concern over the shortage of measurement standards and calibration infrastructure in the country.
Speaking on behalf of calibration service providers, Mr Johnson Friday of Solid Genon Services International Ltd. said many industries still lacked adequate understanding of calibration and traceability despite their importance in sectors such as healthcare, food processing, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
World Metrology Day is celebrated annually to promote awareness of the role of measurement science in governance, trade, industry, and everyday life as Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and position domestic products for greater acceptance in regional and international markets.