The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has presented Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates to 54 company brands in Enugu State, recognising their adherence to quality standards.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Enugu on Friday, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke—represented by Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, Head of South-East Regional Operations—reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to supporting companies, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in meeting global standards.
Okeke highlighted several policies designed to assist MSMEs, including subsidised costs for standards, certification, and laboratory testing. He also listed other supportive measures such as SONCAP Import Permits at reduced charges, inclusion of MSMEs in technical standardisation committees, and recommending certified businesses for financing opportunities.
He added that SON would continue periodic factory inspections and laboratory testing to ensure products maintain quality, noting that certificates are subject to revalidation every three years.
“These certificates may be withdrawn or suspended if products fail to meet minimum standards,” he warned.
The Enugu State Coordinator of SON, Mr Peter Ameh, outlined innovations implemented since the last audit. These include the Electronic Demand and Electronic Receipt (EDER) platform, Electronic MANCAP (E-MANCAP), a redesigned MANCAP logo, the SON Ogbete Market Desk, and the SON Product Identification Scheme (SONPIS). Other developments include the acquisition of water testing kits, installation of block testing machines, and the digitalisation of documentation.
In a goodwill message, Mr Uche Mba, Director General of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, urged companies to continually enhance product quality to remain globally competitive. He also assured ongoing support from the chamber for SON’s initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Chief Cletus Obute, CEO of Occad International Ltd, thanked SON for its guidance and pledged continued compliance with required standards.
(NAN)