The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called on Nigerians to look inward, embrace innovation, support industrial policy, and improve the quality of local production to foster a productive and quality-driven national culture.
Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, director general/Chief Executive of SON, gave the charge during a Stakeholders’ Forum for Manufacturers, MSMEs, Importers, and Exporters held at the SON’s office in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Okeke stated that one of the core pillars of the administration’s industrial policy was the “Nigeria First Policy,” a strategic approach that goes beyond mere directive.
According to him, it is a collective call for Nigerians to promote homegrown solutions and ensure a safe and healthy society.
Represented at the event by Talatu Ethan, director of Public Relations at SON, the DG said: “Our gathering today is strategic as it signals our shared commitment to utilising standards not just as technical tools, but as instruments for shaping the future of our economy and society.”
Speaking on the theme of the forum, ‘Standards: The Pillar for Innovation, Safety, and Sustainable Development,’ he noted that innovation thrives in an environment anchored in order and predictability.
“When properly applied, standards ensure that innovation does not become guesswork, and that development does not come at the expense of safety or environmental sustainability.
From how we build our homes, process our food, or power our industries, standards form the invisible framework that upholds integrity, quality, and resilience,” he said.
Okeke further stressed that for this vision to be realised, it must be backed by robust quality infrastructure.
“At SON, we are scaling up our certification, training, and monitoring systems to give Nigerian-made products the credibility they deserve,” he said.
Clarifying the essence of the Nigeria First Policy, he added: “Let me make this clear, promoting the Nigeria First Policy is not about excluding others. It is about preparing ourselves. It’s about positioning Nigerian entrepreneurs, artisans, and manufacturers to compete favourably not only within our borders, but across West Africa and beyond. Standards are how we translate patriotic intentions into economic success.”
The SON boss maintained that compliance with standards is not a favour to the agency, but rather an investment in national credibility, urging all Nigerians to support the goal of building a country where innovation is rooted in safety and development is driven by quality.
In his welcome address, Marlene Waziri, SON director for the North Central Region, echoed the importance of standards in economic development.
“At SON, we believe every quality product begins with a standard, and every competitive enterprise thrives on compliance,” he said.
“Whether through our MANCAP and SONCAP certification schemes, laboratory services, system certification, or export support, we are committed to walking the journey with you.”
Waziri further clarified that standardisation is not a barrier but a bridge saying, “A bridge to safer products. A bridge to sustainable development. A bridge to building trust between producers and consumers.”
The Director NCR, encouraged participants to engage fully in the sessions, ask questions, share experiences, and collaborate to build a stronger, more competitive economy.
Stakeholders at the forum were taken through a series of presentations that highlighted the urgent need for Nigerians to change their attitudes toward standards and to support SON’s efforts in eliminating substandard products from the market.
