The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the government agency responsible for setting and maintaining standards for products imported into and manufactured in Nigeria. The Agency in January, 2010 convened a conference in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria. At the conference, the Director General of SON, Mr. John Akanya took the participants through the achievements of the Agency through the past two years most especially in creation of new standards and improving on the existing ones. The Agency recently created about 133 additional standards including; 37 Chemical Technology Standards, 26 Food Technology Standards, 11 Leather Technology Standards, 51 Mechanical Engineering Standards and 8 Textile Technology Standards. Last year, the SON also initiated an Agreement to be in place between the governments of China and Nigeria towards ensuring that adequate standards are met in regard of products being imported into Nigeria from China.

In order to consolidate on its achievement in the last two years, the Agency has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring that the Agreement, which it initiated, in respect of trade relations between the Governments of China and Nigeria is signed this year. Also in the year 2010, the Agency is set to ensure that there is improved implementation of its Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP). As a step further, SON is set to ensure greater implementation of the Manufacturers Conformity Assessment Program (MANCAP). These are parts of the Agency's activities towards ensuring quality assurance, best practices and globally acceptable standards of all products in the Nigerian market. The Agency has also reassured all brand owners and stakeholders that it still maintains its zero tolerance and shall prosecute perpetrators of sub-standard goods, particularly in its importation, manufacture, distribution and sales.

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