Omotayo Adigun
The Nigerian Standards Organisation (SON) is ramping up its efforts to standardize products produced within the country, with a specific focus on goods originating from Aba, aiming to increase their marketability both domestically and internationally.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), held in Abuja on Wednesday, Aharanwa Chuks, the Director of SON’s South East Region, detailed the organization’s initiative. He explained that the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) is being utilized to guarantee that all Nigerian-made products comply with the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
Chuks outlined that MANCAP involves direct collaboration with manufacturers to certify that their products meet established quality standards. This process encompasses thorough inspections of production facilities, product sampling, and testing against NIS requirements. Successful compliance leads to the issuance of MANCAP certification, indicating adherence to recognized quality benchmarks.
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SON has been actively engaging with manufacturers in Aba, providing educational outreach and facilitating stakeholder interactions to guide them in producing goods that meet both local and international standards. Notably, leather manufacturers in Aba have received specialized training on standardization practices to enhance the global competitiveness of their products.
Chuks underscored the importance of manufacturers partnering with SON to obtain MANCAP certification. This certification ensures that products are not only saleable within Nigeria but also competitive in the global marketplace. The initiative is designed to build consumer confidence and promote the wider acceptance of products made in Aba across the world.