Agency seeks stronger export certification framework, improved global competitiveness for Nigerian products
By NIyi Jacobs
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has secured membership of the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) Technical Committee, a development expected to strengthen export quality assurance and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.
The approval gives the standards regulatory agency a stronger institutional role in Nigeria’s export supervision framework, particularly in ensuring that locally manufactured and processed products meet internationally accepted quality, safety and conformity requirements.
In a statement issued by its management, SON said its inclusion on the technical committee recognises its statutory responsibility for maintaining standards and ensuring that Nigerian products comply with applicable quality and safety requirements, especially those destined for foreign markets.
The agency described the development as an important step towards strengthening the country’s export certification system and positioning standards compliance as a critical component of Nigeria’s non-oil export growth strategy.
According to SON, its membership of the committee is expected to strengthen the integration of export conformity assessment into the country’s broader trade framework.
It will also facilitate the integration of the SON Export Certificate Programme (SONEXCAP) into the National Single Window, while improving coordination among government agencies responsible for export supervision and trade facilitation.
The agency noted that effective collaboration among relevant institutions would help address quality-related barriers, improve export documentation processes and enhance confidence in Nigerian products across international markets.
SON further explained that the development goes beyond institutional recognition, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen the country’s export quality infrastructure, support local manufacturers and encourage businesses to meet global standards.
The Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme was established under the Pre-shipment Inspection of Exports Act of 1996 to provide a framework for the inspection of goods destined for export.
Under the scheme, export goods are subjected to inspection before shipment by government-appointed inspection agents to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
The framework was subsequently expanded in 2007 to accommodate a broader range of export products and strengthen the country’s export supervision arrangements.
With Nigeria intensifying efforts to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependence, the strengthening of export quality assurance has become increasingly important to expanding the country’s presence in international markets.
For local manufacturers and exporters, compliance with international standards remains essential to accessing new markets, building consumer confidence and reducing the risk of rejected consignments.
SON’s participation in the NESS Technical Committee is therefore expected to provide greater alignment between product certification, export inspection and trade facilitation processes.
The agency said it remained committed to supporting Nigerian businesses through improved standards development, product certification and conformity assessment services.
The development is also expected to reinforce efforts to promote Made-in-Nigeria products, strengthen the country’s non-oil export base and improve the contribution of locally manufactured goods to economic growth.
As Nigeria seeks to expand its export earnings and deepen participation in global trade, effective collaboration among standards regulators, customs authorities, exporters and other relevant institutions will remain essential to achieving sustainable results.
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