The Standard Organization of Nigeria, (SON), has reiterated the importance of patronizing quality products for the general safety of the populace and in fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs).
The Coordinator of SON Cross River State in south-south Nigeria, Mr. Ninma Apim, who was accompanied by other workers, made the remark during a street-to-street awareness campaign to observe the 2022 World Standards Day.
Quality certification
Apim stressed the need for the public to examine every product such as; sachet water, bread, medicines and more for the SON-certified stamp, which is an indication that such products were safe after passing the quality test.
According to him, the 2022 theme; ‘Shared Vision for a Better World’ is to ensure that organisations under ISO (International Organization for Standards) develop standards for the Sustainable Development Goals.
“So, we did what we call a walk for standards within the state housing community and environs and the message to residents and others is for people to be aware of standards. We are enlightening the public about the safety of patronizing quality products. . As an organization, we are promoting standard goods,” Apim stated.
The State Coordinator said to manufacturers in Cross River, that the agency was committed to encouraging companies operating within its coverage area to strive for certification, which he noted can only be attained after assessment.
“We have a lot of companies within Cross River State and we encourage them to as much as possible to key into our (MANCAP) scheme, which is Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme. We make them understand that all products have standards; we have standards for water, standards for bread, and standards for virtually all products.
“So, what we do is assess these products and if they meet the approved standards, we issue the producers the MANCAP certificate, which is valid for three years only and is renewable. Our concern is for the safety of the citizens and in our own way contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy,” he asserted.
Adulterated lubricants
The Coordinator further disclosed that the agency recently discovered the distribution and sale of substandard engine oils in the Cross River State market through its regular assessment programme and had commenced an investigation.
He said that SON was collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the vehicle lubricant manufacturing and distribution chain to mop up the adulterated engine oils and bring the perpetrators to book.
“Recently in Calabar, we discovered that some people are bringing in adulterated engine oils and selling them as certified products. We are gathering the necessary information, so we can carry out enforcement in the markets.
“To achieve that, we are working closely with lubricant manufacturers and other stakeholders to rid the market off these substandard lubricants. We are using this medium to alert the unsuspecting public of the presence of adulterated engine oil and assuring them of our commitment to rid the market of the oils,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator revealed that to enhance its public sensitization campaign, a forum for manufacturers and consumers would be held soon to commemorate its anniversary in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Olusola Akintonde
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