SON Conducts Sensitization Requirements, Compliance Monitoring to Curb Influx of Substandard Products
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Standards Organization of Nigeria ( SON) Anambra State Area 1 has organised a one day sensitization workshop for all stakeholders in Awka.
The Sensitization workshop program with it’s theme” SON Requirements and Compliance Monitoring Activities to Cub the Influx and sale of Substandard Products in the Country” took place at Peackastel Royal Suites and Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
The event featured presentation by the Head of operation, National Metrology Institute ( NMI), Engr. Samuel Ayuba Ushe and Director of Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate ( ICD), Mr. Pius Manji Lawan.
Delivering his address at the event, the Director General of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi chukwunonso Okeke stated that the Nationwide stakeholders sensitization programmes is not only to enlighten operators on the provisions of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 but equally to strengthen stakeholders engagement and collaborations.
He said, the positive outcomes and impact of the sensitization exercise in places where they have been conducted so far have been so encouraging.
Okeke, who was represented by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji added that SON Act enacted into law by the Seventh National Assembly is a revolutionary Document which they are deploying to carry out massive steps toward delivering on their mandate to sanitize the Nigerian landscape, Markets, everywhere, of unwholesome Products.
He appealed to participants to be on board the standards voyage, ensure strict adhere to standards and quality assurance for their businesses to grow, reminding them that the work of standardisation is to grow Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise, promote agro-allied sector, ensure safety of lives and property as well as ensure industrial and economic development.
According to Okeke, one of the best ISO Management Systems training providers, SON has continually updated its training programmes to suit the latest international standards, practices, principles and in-depth knowledge, saying that as operators, they should always certify their products quality with SON in order to make made-in-Nigeria Products and services good to go anywhere in the world.
He assured and re-assured consumers of the quality and safety of either locally made or imported goods, hinting that all regulated products must pass through their certifications and comply with applicable mandatory national and international standards.
In his good will message, the Anambra State honorable commissioner for Industry and Commerce, Hon. Christian Udechukwu lauded SON for the event which he said is inline with the vision and programs of Governor Soludo to make Anambra State a livable state.
He used the opportunity to highlight some of achievements of Governor Soludo within two years which included: massive roads construction, Free Antenatal, free Education, Employment of teachers and youths, distribution of various seedlings amongst other.
He also said that State Government will have synergy with Standards Organization of Nigeria in order to actualize potentials of the citizens and to encourage both Micro and Medium Scale Enterprise in the state.
Also in her good will message, the Enugu state branch of National Agency for food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Uche Emeka Ekwe said that NAFDAC and SON are working in tandem.
She noted that NAFDAC and SON should continue to collaborate to fight and win influx of fake and substandard Products in the country.
Other stakeholders who presented good will message included; Anambra State commissioner of Police, CP Obono Itam represented by ACP Anita Ayo, Chairman of Autor Mobile Importers Association Nnewi, Mr. Augustine Jideofor and Chairman of Aluminum Manufacturers Anambra State, Mr. Emeka Matunze.
Questions and answers formed highlight of the event.
