By Karen James
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) held a one-day sensitization workshop today in Awka, with the aim of combating the influx and sale of substandard products in the country. The workshop, titled “SON Requirements & Compliance: Monitoring Activities to Curb the Influx and Sale of Substandard Products in the Country,” attracted industry representatives, manufacturers, regulators, and trade associations.
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The workshop focused on creating awareness and educating stakeholders about the importance of adhering to SON’s standards to combat the issue of substandard products in Nigeria. Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, the Director of Public Relations at SON, stood in as the representative of the Director General/Chief Executive, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, and read the opening remarks, demonstrating the MD’s commitment to addressing the issue of substandard products.
Throughout the workshop, participants were provided with valuable information on SON’s requirements and the compliance measures necessary to ensure the production and distribution of quality products that meet established standards. The workshop highlighted the need for strong monitoring activities to effectively combat the influx and sale of substandard products in the country, and participants were informed about the various mechanisms and strategies employed by SON to enforce compliance.
By organizing this sensitization workshop, SON demonstrates its dedication to combating the prevalence of substandard products in Nigeria. Through awareness and education, SON aims to create a culture of quality and consumer protection. This aligns with the agency’s overall mission of ensuring safety, performance, and customer satisfaction in both domestic and international trade.
The workshop was seen as a valuable opportunity for manufacturers and importers to gain further insight into their responsibilities in curbing the influx and sale of substandard products. The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, emphasized the importance of nurturing businesses and enabling them to contribute to society through value addition. Mrs. Foluso Bolaji described the workshop as timely considering the ongoing efforts to revive the nation’s economy, and urged all stakeholders to follow the right processes to support mutual business growth and public safety.
The presence of various stakeholders, including the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry and representatives from the police and civil defence, demonstrated the collective commitment to combating the issue of substandard products. The workshop provided a platform for manufacturers, importers, and other stakeholders to gain valuable information on SON requirements and compliance, and underscored the importance of standardized and quality products in driving the nation’s economic and trade development.
In the workshop, the commissioner for commerce, trade, and industry, Hon. Christian Udechukeu, praised the government of Soludo for its efforts in transforming Anambra. He mentioned plans to build powerful markets in Onitsha and Awka, and emphasized that the state has ample land and facilities for industries, ensuring that no one will have a reason to leave the state.
Overall, the sensitization workshop organized by SON at Awka focused on the theme of SON Requirements & Compliance and highlighted the importance of monitoring activities to curb the influx and sale of substandard products in Nigeria. SON’s efforts to educate stakeholders and enforce compliance significantly contribute to enhancing product quality and consumer confidence in the Nigerian market.
