In an effort to ensure the wellbeing of Nigerians, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is actively campaigning against substandard and counterfeit products in Rivers State. Recently, SON conducted a walkthrough of the major streets in Port Harcourt, raising awareness among residents about the dangers of using inferior goods.
Mr. David Adebayo, the Director of SON’s South-south region, explained that the organization, a Federal Government agency, is tasked with establishing standards related to product measurements, materials, and processes. During the three-hour awareness campaign, he emphasized that this initiative coincided with World Standard Day, celebrated every October.
Adebayo expressed concern over the continued presence of manufacturers producing substandard products, stating, “Standard is the bedrock of industrialization. Without it, no country can advance.” He explained that every product comes with a minimum standard that all manufacturers and service providers are expected to meet. As part of their efforts, SON regularly surveys markets and inspects industries, collecting product samples for laboratory testing to ensure compliance with Nigerian standards.
“The stakeholders are complying,” he noted, adding that once local manufacturers meet the required standards, they are awarded the MANCAP certificate. This certification is part of SON’s ongoing monitoring efforts to prevent any relaxation of standards.
When discussing challenges faced in monitoring products, Adebayo acknowledged that some manufacturers mistakenly believe the agency is targeting them. He stressed, “If they adhere to the standards, consumers will gain confidence in their products, improving their marketability and enabling them to compete internationally.”
He advised consumers to be vigilant when purchasing goods: “Before you buy, look at what you are paying for. Make sure the product has the MANCAP certification. For imported goods, check for the SONCAP logo to avoid substandard products that could harm you.”
Jerome Umoru, the Coordinator for SON in Rivers State, added that ongoing public sensitization is essential. “We should be doing this annually, just as Lagos and Abuja have done their walk campaigns,” he said.
Umoru also highlighted issues with smuggling, which complicates matters regarding imported products. “Our labor force is limited, but we are determined to have all products registered to identify substandard items effectively.”
