NIGERIA – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has joined forces with COTECNA, an internationally accredited firm specializing in conformity assessment of imported raw materials, machinery, and finished products, in a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring the importation of quality goods into Nigeria.
This collaboration seeks to educate stakeholders on the significance of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) and foster adherence to its requirements.
Mallam Farouk Salim, the Director General of SON, emphasized the vital role of SONCAP in regulating the importation of high-quality goods into Nigeria.
He encouraged Nigerian manufacturers and importers to view SONCAP as a valuable tool for ensuring the delivery of quality products and promoting economic growth.
The program aimed to facilitate trade, discuss challenges, and propose solutions while providing a platform for feedback between SON, COTECNA, and stakeholders.
During the event held in Calabar, Cross River State, Mrs. Abigail Duke, the Commissioner for Commerce, advocated for an aggressive drive towards exporting Nigeria’s Agro and Allied Products, particularly from the state.
She expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate closely with SON and COTECNA to facilitate global exports of these products.
Duke also proposed the establishment of a COTECNA office in Calabar to assist importers and prospective exporters from Cross River State.
The Commissioner highlighted the state’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with SON, including providing guidance to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on maximizing the benefits of SONCAP and other programs. ‘
She called on participants in the sensitization program to cooperate with SON and COTECNA in facilitating quality imports, especially of raw materials and machinery.
COTECNA’s value-added services
COTECNA Country Manager, Mr. Ade Adediran, outlined the organization’s value-added services within the SONCAP scheme.
He emphasized COTECNA’s extensive experience in partnering with SON on the scheme for over a decade and highlighted the firm’s capabilities in facilitating both quality imports and exports in Nigeria.
The sensitization program featured informative presentations on various aspects of the SONCAP scheme, standards compliance, and SON’s product offerings.
These presentations were followed by an interactive session involving key stakeholders from diverse sectors of the economy. The engagement aimed to foster a deeper understanding of SONCAP and its role in ensuring the importation of quality goods, thereby contributing to economic development.
This collaboration between SON and COTECNA underscores the commitment to enhancing the quality of imported goods in Nigeria, promoting international trade, and bolstering economic growth.
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