The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s trade capacity and boosting the export of locally produced goods through its flagship export certification programme, SONEXCAP.
The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, made this known during the 2025 World Standards Day celebration held in Lagos.
He urged stakeholders to take advantage of the certification scheme to export their products across Africa and other overseas markets, noting that SONEXCAP provides solutions to challenges faced by exporters.
According to him, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Export Certification Programme was designed to enable locally manufactured goods to meet international quality requirements.
“The scheme ensures that Nigerian products, once certified, are accepted across African markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
“SONEXCAP is not just a certification initiative; it is our gateway to expanding Nigeria’s export frontiers. It builds confidence in Nigerian-made products and opens doors to regional and global markets,” Okeke explained.
Okeke highlighted the critical role of standards in facilitating trade and ensuring that Nigerian products gain international recognition and acceptance.
He advised exporters to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the scheme and do business with more friendly import destinations, thereby boosting wealth creation, job opportunities, and national development.
The Director-General emphasised that standards serve as the common language of trade, enabling countries to connect seamlessly across borders.
He noted that this year’s celebration, themed ‘Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 17’, underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving sustainable development.
According to him, no nation can achieve its development goals in isolation. He therefore called for stronger cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society to advance Nigeria’s industrial and trade objectives.
“Our national goals in food security, industrialisation, energy transition, and export expansion depend on a strong national quality infrastructure,” he said.
Okeke stressed that conformity assessment cannot be achieved in isolation but only through stakeholders’ collaboration, partnership, and mutual trust.
He explained that such cooperation would also promote adherence to product standards, particularly for imported goods.
The Director-General further revealed that the organisation has strengthened its synergy with international partners to build capacity for product testing and certification, a move aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and protecting local industries.
In addition to ensuring that exported products meet international standards, SONEXCAP also supports small and medium-scale enterprises by helping them overcome barriers to market access through simplified certification procedures and improved product credibility.
Okeke encouraged Nigerian exporters and manufacturers to embrace SONEXCAP as a tool for competitiveness and growth, assuring that SON remains committed to providing technical support to businesses aspiring to access regional and global markets.
“When Nigerian products carry the SON mark of quality, it tells the world we are ready,” he said.
“SONEXCAP is our statement of confidence in the excellence and potential of the Nigerian industry,” he said.
As Nigeria continues its drive toward economic diversification, Okeke affirmed that the SONEXCAP initiative stands as a major step in positioning the country as a leading player in Africa’s single market.
The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, commended the SON under the leadership of Dr Ifeanyi Okeke for partnering with the association to boost trade.
He described him as a leader who has a listening ear and is proactive in engaging the members.
Ajayi-Kadir was represented by Mr Joseph Imoleke.
