Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has as advised producers and manufacturers of products to ensure their brands are quality enough to drive Nigeria’s income through exports.
Mr Osita Aboloma, director general stated this in Kaduna while presenting certificates to seven companies that have remained consistent in the quality of their products.
Osita said that their recognition follows checks of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) worthy of export, as a result of their conforming to standards.
The DG, who was represented by Mr Danlami Datti, SON Kaduna state coordinator, said they were awarded certificates to serve as example for others to emulate.
According to him, “Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) was put in place by SON in 2006 to ensure that all locally manufactured producers conform to the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) prior to sales in the market or export.”
The SON boss said the scheme was aimed at protecting genuine manufacturers against unhealthy practices such as production of substandard products, faking and counterfeiting, as well as unfair competition in trade.
“They complied to the various international standards and were identified. Different groups were here. It is to build the confidence of the consumers instead of going abroad, they will patronize products made here,” he added.
The companies that received the certificates were; Big Treat Confectioneries, Biz Integrity Ventures, DICON Research Institute, Dorseka Nigeria LTD, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria LTD, (301 and 508), Richifa Blocks Industry and Zagi Concrete Industry.
Speaking with reporters, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, MD PAN, assured that they would continue to conform to standards.
For Kaduna Branch Manager, Big Treat Confectionery, Rotimi Adeosun, their consistency in operating in a hygienic environment earned them the certificate.
Mr Ekundayo Timi Gbenga, who represented DICON, said that though their primary responsibility was the production of arms and ammunition for Nigeria, but they diversified into civilian products like liquid detergent.
“There are ingredients we use for our detergent that you can’t find with others in the market,” he said.
