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By Muinat Usman
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certified a total of 86 products belonging to 50 companies in Kwara State under its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) between January and November 2025.
Director-General of the SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, disclosed this in Ilorin while addressing journalists during the fourth quarter presentation of MANCAP certificates to businesses in the state.
Dr. Okeke, who was represented by the Kwara State Coordinator of SON, Mr. Ayeni Feyisayo, described the achievement as a major milestone for the state’s industrial growth.
He explained that the Kwara office of SON sets annual certification targets and continues to surpass previous records, reflecting the agency’s unwavering commitment to enforcing product quality and safety standards.
“SON ensures that all locally manufactured products meet both national and international standards. For those that have complied, the certificates serve as documented evidence of conformity,” Okeke stated.
The Director-General noted that product certification remains a core mandate of the Organisation, distinguishing it from other regulatory bodies.
He revealed that consistent monitoring over the past five years has led to a steady rise in product certifications, particularly in the water and bread production sectors.
According to him, 34 percent of certified products in the state are from the water sector, while 26 percent are from bread production — sectors he described as crucial to consumer health and safety.
Okeke reaffirmed SON’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and high-quality products, pledging continued monitoring, enforcement, and certification to promote industrial growth and consumer protection.
Also speaking, Hajia Abiola Bayero, Head of the Food Technology Unit at SON, highlighted the benefits of MANCAP, noting that the programme boosts consumer confidence and ensures product safety through rigorous compliance testing.
In his remarks, Mr. Abdulmimeen Bello, Head of Audit at Adejumo Nigeria Limited, one of the newly certified companies, commended SON for its guidance and support to local manufacturers.
He said SON’s interventions have helped many companies improve their operational standards, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen consumer trust in their brands.
Editing: Abdullahi Ahmed
