By Christy Aboghe
Stakeholders in the industrial sector have been enjoined to adhere to applicable standard and quality assurance activities so as to meet with the expectations of their customers.
The Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, who was represented by the Director, Anambra region, Mr Don Pedro Ebenezer gave the advise during the stakeholders sensitization Forum in Asaba, Delta State.
Salim said adherence would help deliver satisfactory value that would improve on business profitability and enhance competitiveness.
He urged them to adopt standards as a way of life and refuse to patronize fake and substandard product.
The DG said SON, as the apex standardization body in Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of formulating and establishing of standards relating to various, products, commodities, processes and materials for the certifying of products in Nigeria Commerce and industry.
He said registration of their product with SON would help promote healthy competition, eliminate substandard product and encourage and encourage made in Nigeria product and services.
According to him the stakeholder workshop organized by South South region was aimed at sensitizing them in propelling, industrial growth and increases the awareness on the role of SON in trade facilitation and enhancing economy.
On his part the Senior Special Assistant to the DG, Chief Emeka Duru said absence of standardaisation would lead unemployment and insecurity.
Duru advised them to always put up standard product for sale so as to grow their economy and safety of the consumers as SON would continue to ensure that the welfare of the economy is protected.
The State Cordinator, Mr O. Olagoroye while addressing stakeholders on the relevance of SON in facilitating trade and enhancing economy said SON in creating confidence for economic growth through improved access in local and international market helps to enhance business growth, minimize wastes and losses and helps customers achieve satisfaction.
Olagoroye said with the role played by SON in the nation’s economy, it was expected that they respond proactively and insist on the best standards and quality practice so as to help them overcome the challenges in the nation’s industry.
Speaking, the state Chairman Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialist, Mr Princewill Ojeh said in having a longer life span, every product have to be approved, he advised Deltans not to purchase products without expiration date.
Ojeh suggested that manufacturers of substandard product be encouraged to come to the standardization that is required, adding that they be provided the necessary funds and machineries required to get to that standard.
