Standards organisation presents certificates to 15 companies

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has presented the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate to 15 companies in Enugu state.

The companies that got the certificates include JOMAP Consul, Aqua Rapha Investment, De-Caspian Construction, NK-JOE Enterprises, Salome Angel Coy Ltd, Carlzy and Sharon Paints & Chemical Company.

Presenting the certificates in Enugu on Thursday, Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that MANCAP is a mandatory product certification scheme that ensure that manufacturers deliver quality goods and services to consumers.

Okeke, represented by Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, Director, SON South-East Regional Operation, noted that MANCAP ensures that all locally manufactured products conform to relevant Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) before sale in the market or export.

He said that SON would continue to undertake periodic factory inspections, sampling and laboratory testing of products following the certification.

“This is to ensure that the products certified today continue to meet the requirements of the relevant standards that have earned your establishments these certifications.

“The products are to be revalidated every three years and it is importance that you note that the certificates issued today shall be withdrawn or suspended if the products fail to meet the minimum requirements.

“This goes for both revalidating products and newly certified company’s products,” he said.

The director general said that the certification enhance business growth and maximisation, production of excellent quality products and healthy competition.

“MANCAP encourages continual improvement on quality of products and production processes; it promotes global competitiveness among domestic manufacturers and promotes industrial and economic development.

“(This is) by ensuring that Made-in-Nigeria products meet the requirements of the relevant Nigeria Industrial Standards,” he said.

Okeke revealed that to meet Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at their point of standardisation needs, the SON had initiated a scheme known as SONPIS.

“SON Product Identification Scheme (SONPIS) Certification is mapped out to address key challenges faced by MSMEs such as access to relevant standards, insufficient testing facilities and to strengthen their capacity to comply with the MANCAP.

“Through mentorship, fostering market-driven standards and encouraging voluntary compliance, SONPIS Certification is the only way by which MSMEs can explore and enjoy opportunities of the free trade agreement,” he added.

One of the recipients of the MANCAP certificate, Mrs Nkiruka Nnamani, said she would upgrade all materials used in her factory to international standard.

“As a bread and confectionery producer, SON assisted my factory to attain international standard both in quality and packaging of all products produced and leading to greater customers’ satisfaction,” Nnamani said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Stella Aneke, assured that the certification would encourage her company to maintain its standard and quality.