The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has warned manufacturers in the country that have inscribed fake Nigeria Industrial Standard and Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme marks on their products to desist from such act or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
The Director-General, SON, Anthony Aboloma, gave the warning in Ota, Ogun State, during the presentation of Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme certificates to 30 companies in the state, which had met the required standards in their production processes.
Aboluma, who was represented by the organisation’s Ogun State Coordinator 1, Samuel Ayuba, said the regulatory agency had in the past arrested some manufacturers in the state for using such fake marks and were sanctioned.
He noted it was in the interest of the manufacturers for them to get the necessary certification for their products, as this would enable them to compete favourably in the market both within and outside the country.
He said, “The relevance of the MANCAP and the NIS certification cannot be underestimated. If your products meet the standards, you can also begin to earn foreign exchange by exporting them.
“Maintaining quality standards is a journey you must continue to improve. The MANCAP certificates we are issuing to you today are on loan.
“We will be visiting your factories quarterly to see that you do not compromise on quality of your products. We are always ready to partner with you. If you have any issue, kindly let us know about it.”
While he said the proliferation of substandard products in the Nigerian market had been a major concern with negative impact on the economy, the SON DG advised consumers to always buy certified products.
On his own part, the Assistant Director, Product Certification of SON, Fred Akingbesote, also advised the manufacturers to guard their products jealously to avoid counterfeiting.
He noted that the MANCAP certification was the minimum standard, adding that “there is room for the manufacturers to raise the bar of quality.”
