SON Certifies 62 Locally Produced Goods in Ebonyi to Uphold Quality Standards

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has officially certified 62 locally manufactured products in Ebonyi State, reinforcing its commitment to quality assurance and safety standards within the region’s manufacturing sector. This certification, issued under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), was awarded to 29 companies in a ceremony held in Abakaliki.

During the presentation of certificates on Friday, SON’s Director-General, Ifeanyi Okeke—represented by the Head of the South East Directorate, Chukwuma Aharanwa—highlighted that the MANCAP certification aligns with SON’s mission to regulate and standardize Nigerian products. He emphasized that promoting high-quality production would not only enhance consumer trust but also improve the competitiveness of local goods in both domestic and international markets.

“This recognition enables these companies to produce and distribute their goods confidently to consumers within Ebonyi State and across Nigeria,” Okeke stated.

He further explained that MANCAP ensures all locally manufactured products conform to the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before they are introduced to the market or considered for export. He assured that SON would conduct routine factory inspections, product sampling, and testing to ensure continuous compliance with established standards. Additionally, he pointed out that certification would require renewal every three years, warning that companies failing to uphold the necessary standards risk suspension or complete withdrawal of their certification.

SON’s State Coordinator, Maryrose Ugwueche, described the certification as a significant mark of quality that not only strengthens consumer confidence but also facilitates broader national and international market acceptance of Nigerian-made products.

The list of newly certified companies includes Chillies Food Ltd, Nourisher Continental Fast Food, Aguwa Aluminium Ltd, Joppa Table Water Ltd, Robban Store, Almighty Shekinah Water, and Spring Cealis Table Water. Vegas Restaurant and Bakery also earned recognition for maintaining quality standards in bread production.

Representing the certified companies, Ikenna Emegi, Manager of Aguwa Aluminium Ltd, expressed his appreciation for SON’s efforts and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to maintaining globally accepted manufacturing standards.

“Today is a milestone for us. Receiving the MANCAP certification is an honor, and we appreciate SON’s support and God’s guidance in making this achievement possible,” Emegi said.

This certification initiative is part of SON’s broader strategy to drive standardization, protect consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing industry.

The development comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the low demand for locally made goods, with Nigerian manufacturers facing substantial financial challenges due to unsold inventory worth trillions of naira in 2024, as reported by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Industry experts have stressed the urgent need for stronger market support and increased investment to enhance the quality, marketability, and overall competitiveness of Nigerian-made products.