The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has presented Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme certificates to 62 companies in Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to promoting product quality, industrial development, and consumer protection in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said industrialisation remains central to Nigeria’s economic progress, noting the dominant role of small businesses in the economy.
“Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises account for over 96 per cent of businesses and contribute significantly to employment and national GDP,” he said. “Strengthening standards and ensuring product quality remain key to enhancing the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods.”
Okeke explained that SON continues to support manufacturers through its MSME Desk, which helps businesses with product registration and compliance with both national and international standards. He also highlighted recent government-backed incentives under the “Nigeria First Policy”, including subsidised certification, reduced laboratory testing charges, and other measures aimed at supporting local production.
He stressed that the MANCAP scheme is designed to ensure that all locally manufactured products meet the Nigerian Industrial Standards before entering the market or being exported.
“MANCAP certification ensures that products meet required standards before they reach consumers,” he said. “Certified companies will continue to undergo periodic inspections and testing to ensure sustained compliance. Failure to meet standards may result in suspension or withdrawal of certification.”
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos II State Coordinator of SON, Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, described the certification ceremony as a recognition of excellence and commitment to best practices.
“This is a celebration of excellence, innovation, and dedication to quality production,” she said, while commending the awardees for maintaining high manufacturing standards.
Ugwueche encouraged other manufacturers to emulate the certified companies, adding that compliance goes beyond recognition: “The MANCAP initiative is not only about recognition but also about accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across industries. “We urge recipients to see this certification as a responsibility to sustain quality and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The event brought together industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and SON officials, who all emphasised the importance of standardisation in boosting consumer trust and improving the global competitiveness of Nigerian-made products.
SON reiterated its commitment to enforcing compliance while encouraging manufacturers, importers, and exporters to take advantage of its services to strengthen operations and expand market opportunities.
The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of certificates to the 62 qualifying companies, marking another step in SON’s ongoing efforts to improve product quality and industrial growth in Nigeria.
