By Niyi Jacobs
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to product quality, consumer protection and industrial growth as its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) marked 20 years of promoting standards in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
The milestone was celebrated at the 2026 National MANCAP Quality Award Ceremony held on Wednesday, October 21, at Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. The event attracted government representatives, manufacturers, business associations, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen confidence in Nigerian-made products and improve their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
He noted that MANCAP had expanded significantly since its introduction in 2006, when 1,930 products were certified, demonstrating the growing importance of product certification to Nigeria’s industrial development.
He urged manufacturers to make quality an integral part of production rather than treating standards as mere regulatory obligations.
In his welcome address, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said the programme protects consumers against substandard products while ensuring that locally manufactured goods meet relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards.
He explained that certification involves factory inspections, product sampling, laboratory testing and compliance assessments. Certificates are renewed every three years, with surveillance inspections conducted to ensure continued conformity.
Okeke also highlighted the introduction of a new MANCAP logo designed to improve consumer recognition of certified products and strengthen confidence in the certification process.
The ceremony recognised manufacturers that had maintained certification for 10, 15 and 20 years, rewarding their consistency and commitment to quality assurance.
The SON chief urged manufacturers to sustain compliance, regulators to ensure consistent enforcement and consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
He said stronger collaboration among government, industry and consumers would help reduce substandard goods, support local production and expand opportunities for Nigerian products in international markets.
