SON Awards MANCAP Certificates in Nnewi, Revalidates Dozens of Firms

From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has presented Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates to companies in Nnewi, Anambra State, with several firms also receiving recertification.

The event, which took place in the industrial community, was attended by twenty-nine companies with 105 product brands under MANCAP. 

These products were inspected by the agency as part of the qualification process.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Director of Anambra Regional Operations, Mr. Gabriel Chinedu Agafie, the Director-General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described the event as a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the unyielding commitment of local manufacturers to meet and exceed the quality standards that drive Nigeria’s industrial growth and consumer confidence.

He noted that standards are the backbone of sustainable industrialisation and economic development.

“They provide the framework for consistent quality, safety, and reliability, enabling businesses to gain consumer trust and compete effectively in both local and global markets.

“At the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), our mission is to promote these standards as a critical tool for transforming our industries and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians,” he said.

He further stated that MANCAP is a testament to this mission, explaining that it ensures all locally manufactured products comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before being introduced into the market.

“By doing so, MANCAP protects consumers, fosters fair competition, and reinforces the integrity of the manufacturing sector.

“Anambra State has been a hub of entrepreneurial spirit and industrial innovation. From small-scale enterprises to large manufacturers, the state’s commitment to quality and progress is evident in its diverse and dynamic industrial landscape,” the DG added.

The SON boss noted that the recognitions represent more than certificates, stressing that they reflect dedication, compliance with standards, and a collective commitment to excellence, consumer safety, and sustainable development.

“For consumers and stakeholders present here, the exhibition is a testament to the progress we are making as a nation in producing goods that are ‘fit for purpose,’ reliable, and globally competitive,” he added.

He reminded the awardees that their processes and products would continually be subjected to quarterly inspections and testing to ensure that quality is not only sustained but also upheld.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of Anambra State Office II, Nnewi, Mrs. Okata Blessing Ogechi, clarified that, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to promote Made-in-Nigeria products and ensure their global competitiveness, SON is empowered by Section 5(1)(i) of the SON Act 14 of 2015 to establish MANCAP for all locally manufactured products in Nigeria.

She said the programme aims to safeguard the country’s economic and industrial development.