The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has successfully certified a remarkable 6000 brands, showcasing its commitment to upholding quality standards in the country.
Outgone director of product certification at SON, Tersoo Iyorshe Orngudwem, made this disclosure during an event held in his honour to mark his retirement in Abuja.
He said the certification represents a substantial effort in the ongoing battle against substandard products, which have been a significant concern, especially with over 80 per cent of goods in Nigeria falling into this category.
Tackling the pervasive challenge of substandard imported products, constituting more than 80 per cent of items in Nigeria, Tersoo highlighted SON’s proactive strategy – the rollout of Product Authentication Marks (PAM).
He said PAM stands as a precision-focused initiative designed to counter the surge of substandard imported goods, underscoring SON’s enduring commitment to quality and its resolute stand against inferior products thereby ensuring the integrity of products circulating within the Nigerian market.
Encouraging local manufacturers to embrace PAM, Tersoo, emphasised the pivotal role it plays in fostering consumer confidence, improving profitability, and expanding the market share for domestic producers.
He also urged the government to provide essential infrastructure support to reduce production costs and address challenges faced by local manufacturers.
Reflecting on SON’s overall performance, Tersoo commended the agency’s steadfast efforts in combating substandard products, acknowledging the dedication of its workforce.
As SON looks to the future, Tersoo expressed optimism about the continuous evolution of the agency’s capabilities and its commitment to ongoing improvements.
In response to Tersoo’s contributions, the director-general of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke,
highlighted Tersoo’s tireless dedication to the agency, acknowledging the pivotal role he played in steering SON towards growth and excellence.
As SON moves forward, Dr. Chukwunonso expressed confidence in further advancing the agency’s mission to ensure quality and standards in the Nigerian market.
