SON, NSC advocate standardisation, efficiency to boost trade

Lagos, Oct. 11, ’25 (TNZ) The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have reiterated their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s trading environment through improved regulation, enhanced port efficiency, and empowerment of trade associations.

TheNewsZenith reports that the agencies made this known during the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association All Market  Annual Conference (AMC 25) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The theme of the conference is “Empowering Trade Unions for Revenue Generation and Modernisation.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of SON, commended the leadership of the association for sustaining the forum that promotes collaboration, innovation, and unity among market leaders and traders across the country.

Represented by Mr Solomon Joseph, Assistant Director, Head of Complaints of SON, Mr Solomon Joseph, Okeke said the association’s consistent engagement had contributed to national commerce and enterprise development.

He described trade associations as critical partners in economic growth, serving as the bridge between government policies and grassroots businesses.

According to him, in a nation where the informal sector employs over 40 million Nigerians, associations play a crucial role in linking traders and artisans to formal structures that promote productivity, inclusion, and national stability.

He stated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had placed strong emphasis on economic diversification, digital transformation, and enterprise development.

He noted that SON’s mandate aligns directly with this agenda by ensuring goods and services meet acceptable standards while supporting sustainable business practices.

Speaking on the theme, Okeke stressed that standards were not obstacles to business but enablers of expansion and competitiveness.

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The DG said adherence to quality standards enhances consumer trust, opens access to new markets, and builds the foundation for long-term business success.

He highlighted key SON initiatives such as the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for local manufacturers and the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for importers.

He explained the programmes helped safeguard genuine businesses and consumers from substandard products.

In his goodwill remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Ukeyima Akuta, spoke on the role of NSC as an economic regulator at the ports and facilitating import/export activities.

Represented by Mr Femi Omonayin, the Assistant Director, Stakeholders Service, Akuta, said trade was the engine of economic growth.

He noted that the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports is essential for competitiveness in global commerce.

NSC boss further explained that the council, as the port economic regulator, plays a central role in promoting efficiency, transparency, and fair competition in port operations.

He said that the partnership ensured stability in port operations, prevented industrial disputes, and promoted collaboration between labour, government, and service providers. (TNZ)