Senator Enoh said the new complex was designed to enhance the capacity of Standard Organisation of Nigeria staff to certify, inspect, and test products in the state.
“Inaugurating of the office by SON’s is in fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda that is capsulated in the 8-points agenda, where agenda seven speaks about diversifying the economy through industrialisation, manufacturing and digitalization,” Senator Enoh said.
He appreciated President Tinubu’s commitment in ensuring that quality made in Nigeria goods attracts more investors to the country.
He urged the organisation’s staff to discharge their duties diligently in line with its national mandate.
The Minister commended the Sokoto State Government for its continuous support to federal agencies operating within the state.
Strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base
Speaking at the occasion, the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and promoting quality assurance.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the inauguration of the SON complex as a reflection of the deepening collaboration between the Federal Government and the Sokoto State Government in advancing quality infrastructure, industrial growth, and consumer protection.
Aliyu represented by his Deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir, noted that the project represents an investment in the safety, well-being, and prosperity of the people in the state.
“Standards are not merely technical requirements, but moral obligations that ensure products and services meet expectations of safety, reliability, and fairness,” he added.
He expressed optimism that the new facility would strengthen SON’s capacity to monitor, inspect, and support businesses operating within Sokoto State and across the North West region.
Governor Aliyu further reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting SON and other federal institutions in delivering on their mandates effectively in the state.
Improving product quality and competitiveness
In his remarks, the Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, stated that the new complex would facilitate the production of goods that meet both national and international standards, thereby improving product quality and competitiveness in the region.
He said the inauguration is a deliberate effort to bring services closer to the stakeholders and strengthen their operation for greater national coverage.
Mr Okeke added that the newly inaugurated office stand as strategic infrastructure investment designed to enhance SON’s capacity for products certification, inspection, testing, market surveillance as well as stakeholders engagement in Sokoto and it’s neighboring states.
“This facility would have technical and administrative team responsible in ensuring goods produced or sold in this region conform to national industrial standard.
“It will also serve as a training and advisory hub for micro, small and medium enterprises seeking to improve their processes and access to larger market,” he noted.
Also in his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, praised SON for establishing the office in the state which would go a long way in ensuring quality products produced within the region.
The Sultan represented by Iyan Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Bala, assured the traditional leaders support towards ensuring SON deliver on its mandate.
Highlight of the commissioning was the unveiling of a policy document by the Minister, goodwill messages by the relevant partners among others.
Victoria Ibanga