By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it has certified 86 products across 50 companies in Kwara with the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), from January to November.
The Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this in Ilorin while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of the 4th Quarter Presentation of MANCAP Certificates to businesses in Kwara.
Okeke, who was represented by the Kwara State Director of SON, Mr Ayeni Feyisayo, noted that the feat is a major achievement in the state.
He explained that the Kwara-SON strives to surpass its own records each year, and this year’s performance is a testament to that commitment.
According to Okeke, MANCAP has been a cornerstone of the agency’s efforts to uphold the highest standards in product manufacturing across the nation.
He described MANCAP as a mandatory product certification scheme established by SON to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to relevant Nigerian industrial standards before being presented for sale or export.
“We have a major responsibility as an organisation to ensure that we verify products, certify and evaluate them.
“We ensure that those products meet the international and national standards. In view of those that have complied, it is necessary for us to give an award as a certificate to demonstrate that compliance is documented.
“For us, certification is a major responsibility that distinguishes us from other regulatory bodies; some register, endorse or supervise but we certify and it’s our certification as MANCAP that’ll determine how international those products can be,” he said.
The D-G explained that, for the past five years, consistent monitoring by the directors has ensured an increase in the number of product certifications in the water and bread production sectors.
According to him, in Kwara, there are more than 34 per cent of those in water production and 26 per cent in bread production, while emphasising on the need to prioritise these sectors to ensure quality and standard of products.
He reiterated SON’s commitment towards ensuring quality products get to consumers, adding that more products are getting certified while pledging improved monitoring and certification for better quality.
Hajia Abiola Bayero, the Head of Unit, Food Tech, emphasised the benefit of MANCAP, saying that it helps promote consumers’ confidence.
Bayero explained that certification is required to ensure product safety, noting that the products are tested to confirm their compliance with standards.
One of the MANCAP-certified business owners, Mr Abdulmimeen Bello, Head of Audit, Adejumo Nigeria Limited, commended SON for their support and commitment towards ensuring their products met the required standard.
He observed that SON only wanted the best for companies which, in the long run, is an advantage to their businesses.
Also in his appreciative remarks, Mr Ibiyemi Opeyemi, Head of Human Resources, United Foam Products Limited, noted that SON has made sure to keep them on their toes in terms of quality products.
He said the support has ensured that their products are associated with quality and standards.
NAN reports that some of the MANCAP-certified businesses includes Mighty Hercules Manufacturing and Supply Limited, United Foam Products Limited and Funsho Bakery Concepts.
Others are Adejumo Nigeria Limited, De Yoyo Water and SEAP Water, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Yetunde Fatungase
