SON pledges to ensure products in Anambra meet standard quality

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it will ensure that products in Anambra markets meet all necessary approvals and right quality before going to the open market.

Mr Olalekan Omoniyi, Coordinator of SON in Anambra gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Monday.

Omoniyi said he was already meeting with importers and manufacturers in the state as part of the advocacy campaign towards achieving the goal.

He said that through subjecting to SON Product Registration Scheme, the quality could be tested for conformity before going to the open market and monitored while in circulation.

He described Anambra markets as `strategic’ and pledged that SON would work with importers and manufacturers to ensure the state became a destination for sourcing quality goods.

“A major challenge we have here is that most importers and manufacturers do not register their products; this is not good for them as brand owners.

“Our target is to ensure that we improve on the level we meet in the state this year, by ensuring that all products in Anambra whether produced or imported are duly registered and of the right quality.

“This will protect the brands for manufacturers and importers as well as ensure value for consumers’ money and also make the state a preferred destination for authentic source of materials.

“We are currently interfacing with stakeholders as part of advocacy drive but after a while will go into full enforcement,” he said.

Omoniyi said SON in Anambra would take special interest in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder manufacturers to ensure they have the standard processes and did not pose danger to the society.

He applauded the manufacturers of lubricants who subjected their products to SON regulatory processes and approval, adding that they were some of the best in the world.

“From available records, there have been issues with LPG cylinders produced here because they are manufactured without adhering to industrial standard.

“I am proud to say that most lubricants manufactured here are certified and can compare with those produced in any location in the world,” he said.

The coordinator said the organisation has presence in most markets in the state and called on those whose products have been counterfeited to report to their office for prompt action. (NAN)