WorldStage Newsonline– The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on Tuesday in Kaduna issued certificates of Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) to 21 businesses, cutting across 32 products in Kaduna.
The MANCAP is a mandatory product certification scheme.
The scheme is put in place by SON to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to the relevant Nigerian industrial standards before they are presented for sale or exported.
Presenting the certificates to the business owners, the Director General (DG) of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said MANCAP has been a cornerstone of SON’s efforts to uphold the highest standards in product manufacturing across the nation.
The director-general was represented by Isaac Omebije, the Director, North-West region of SON.
He added that the companies have demonstrated unwavering commitment to quality, adherence to rigorous standards, and a dedication to excellence that served as a beacon of inspiration for others in the industry.
Okeke stressed that the process leading to MANCAP certification is not an easy one, where It involves a series of stringent evaluations, rigorous testing, and continuous improvements.
“It is designed to ensure that every product that carries the MANCAP mark is a testament to safety, reliability, and superior quality.
“The companies we honor today have not only met these standards but have exceeded them, showcasing their commitment to delivering the best to consumers,”he said.
Okeke restated SON’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in their quest for excellence.
The SON boss assured that the agency would continue to provide the necessary frameworks, support, and guidance to ensure that Nigerian products can compete globally and stand proudly on the international stage.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of SON, Mr Mamza Irmiya, implored the businesses owners to strive more.
He warned them that any infractions noticed in their processes would lead to revocation of the certificates which they will never have again.
Irmiya called on the businesses to standardise their products, adding that it has many benefit.
They include reduction of cost, pave way for employment and gives the producers the leverage to actualise their desired goal and dreams.
“When you embrace standards, you will get things done right with a short period of time with little resources.
“When you work outside the standard norm, there will be alot of waste, try and error will set in,”Irmiya said.
One of the MANCAP certified business owners, Mr Sulaiman Adeoye, the General Manager of Home Fresh Yoghurt, said they have been through a lot of inspections and visit from SON.
“It wasn’t easy, but we are committed to providing standard products to our customers,”he said.
He, however,thanked SON for the certification, while pledging to use it to better his business.
Also, Muhammad Abubakar, the Manager of DSA 7 Star Limited, said the certificate showed they had achieved an international standard.
“This will alert our customers that we are not cutting corners; our services are properly delivered and done in accordance with international standards.
“This means if you go beyond Nigeria and come across our services, you can judge it to be tested and trusted,” Abubakar said.
