The Director General of Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) , Mr Osita Aboloma, has advised producers and manufacturers of products to ensure their brands are quality enough to drive Nigeria’s income through exports.
Speaking on Thursday 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 the SON Kaduna state Coordinator, Mr Danlami Datti, 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, MD PAN, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, 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.
Managing Director of Biz Integrity Ventures, Engineer Ogbu Ekwenze Moses, said that it was consistency in quality that earned them the certificate. “We are a multi skills industry in building materials. The award will bring in a lot of customers who will be expecting better products.”
Dorseka Crafts Nigeria Ltd, represented by Sule Innocent explained that the company has been in existence for over 10 years and with this recognition, they will create more jobs for the youth through a new brand of liquid detergent.
Manager of Richifa Blocks Industry, Saidu Balarabe expressed delighted with the certificate received. “Even though this is the second time we are being recognised. First time was in 2016, we are happy and will work towards improving our products,” he assured.
For the Managing Director of Zagi Concrete Industry, Alhaji Ahmed Zagi, patriotism is what drives him into producing quality products. “
