The Standard Organisation of Nigeria asserts that preventing the influx of counterfeit and subpar goods is achievable through its monitoring of activities at the nation’s seaport.
SON also underlines that initiating operations at one of West Africa’s largest seaports will pave the way for a more significant and sustainable future for the country.
This declaration was made by the agency’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, at the 2024 Strategic Leadership Retreat held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday.
According to Wakadaily, SON was among the seven out of the 14 agencies functioning at Nigeria’s seaports that were instructed to cease operations by the Nigerian Ports Authority’s management in June 2017.
This decision aligned with the enactment of the ‘Executive Order’ signed by the former Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osinbajo, during his acting tenure under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The directive aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Agencies impacted by the order included SON, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others.
At that time, the Managing Director of the NPA, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, mentioned the only agencies permitted to operate at the ports besides NPA were the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Department of State Security, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Port Health.
The Director-General of SON, discussing the retreat’s theme, ‘Service Optimization, Greater Effectiveness, and Revenue Enhancement for a Renewed Future,’ highlighted that the organization’s presence at the ports preemptively blocks the entry of substandard goods into the country.
Okeke revealed ongoing discussions with the supervising minister to facilitate SON’s permanent reinstatement at the ports, emphasizing that their mandated responsibilities do not conflict with those of other agencies.
He noted, “SON must return to the port to prevent bad products from coming into the country in the first place. It is working closely with the supervising Minister to bring us back permanently at the ports.”
He announced that, with the backing of the overseeing ministry, the organization is currently working to revise its 2015 Act to reflect modern circumstances and global standards.
Additionally, he mentioned that SON is collaborating with the presidential initiative on Compressed Natural Gas to guarantee access to high-quality products and effective policy implementation, hinting at exciting developments ahead.
“SON is collaborating with the relevant agencies. We have the Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council, and Presidential initiative on CNG,” he added.
Mrs. Anietie Umoessien, representing the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, highlighted SON’s vital role in safeguarding consumers and encouraged the organization to excel in its services.
She urged for increased funding to support SON’s efforts, specifically in product authentication, to combat the spread of counterfeit products and ensure a safer and more trustworthy market for consumers.
Rimi stated, “We want SON to be a new SON, an e-SON, and a SON that has a product authentication mark. The main function of SON is standardisation of products and you see with the new Presidential initiative for CNG, SON had already standardised for CNG products, about 87 of them.
“So, we would carry SON up to the next optimal level to be able to compete with other products in the world.
“Funding is one of the major challenges of SON. So, we encourage the FG to give SON more funds to be able to carry out its assignments as the product authentication mark is a good initiative.
“You have your product, authenticate it, and that is it. There will be no issue of fake iron rods, fake products, you authenticate it directly.”
