Nigerian made goods can only compete at the African Continental Free Trade Area, if manufacturers in the country complied with quality standards.
Director General of Standard Organosation of Nigeria, Malam Farouk Salim, who charged manufacturers to maintain good quality standards said it was the only way to
explore opportunities inherent in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, (AFCT).
The Director General spoke on the sidelines, at the 16th ABUJA International Trade Fair, organised by the ABUJA Chambers of Commerce and Industry with the theme: ” Exploring Opportunities of African Continental Free Trade Area”.
Represented by Dr Justin Nickaf, Corporate Affairs and SON Consults, the Director General explained that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria had put in place policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring standardisation of goods and services in Nigeria.
He said the organisation would do everything within its capacity in quality assurance activities to provide the necessary support and guidance for local manufacturing, imports and exports.
“Standards are tools that facilitate trade and business and it guarantees quality and when applied diligently, the output (product) is acceptable, fit for purpose and gives value for money and satisfaction to consumers everywhere,” he noted
He said it established desk for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in all its 41 state offices across the country to provide certification and support that would further strengthen standardisation in goods and services.
Salim said SON would not hesitate to sanction any erring manufacturers and importers whose action and inaction are to sabotage the good intentions of the federal government.
“As a standards body, our doors are open to all those in the business of manufacturing, import, export and provision of services to come forward on issues of standardisation that may require clarification,” Salim added.
The fair was scheduled to hold from Sept. 30, until October 9. (NAN)