SON Hosts Special Economic Zones Operators to Discuss Implementation of Conformity Assessment Programme

By Abass Ganiyu

Lagos, June 11, 2024 — The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) recently hosted operators of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to address concerns and clarify aspects of the Special Economic Zones Conformity Assessment Programme (SEZCAP). This initiative aims to enhance the quality and safety of both locally manufactured products and imports within Nigeria.

Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, underscored the importance of ensuring that products intended for the Nigerian market comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards and other regulatory supports. Represented by Onucheyo Enebi, Dr. Okeke highlighted that SON is extending its services to SEZs in Kano, Calabar, and Lagos to bolster standardisation efforts.

"The SEZCAP is designed to improve the production, importation, sales, and distribution of quality products, ensuring that they meet the stringent requirements set by Nigerian Industrial Standards," said Okeke. "This will not only protect consumers but also enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products both locally and internationally."

The event saw participation from key stakeholders including Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, Chief Executive of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and Mr. Adewal Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. Dr. Ogunyemi praised the SON leadership for their commitment to inter-agency cooperation and swift actions to eradicate substandard goods from the market.

Akinware Ayodele, Head of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme, emphasized the critical role of SEZCAP in elevating operational standards within SEZs. "The SEZCAP certification scheme is vital for maintaining high-quality benchmarks in SEZs, which boosts investor confidence and fosters a competitive business environment," Ayodele noted. He detailed the rigorous certification processes that businesses within the SEZs must undergo to meet these standards.

Ayodele added that the SEZCAP scheme aligns Nigerian SEZs with global best practices, contributing significantly to economic growth and development. "The SEZCAP scheme stands as a crucial element in maintaining the integrity and sustainability of SEZs, aligning them with global best practices and contributing to the broader economic strategy," he said.

This initiative is part of SON’s broader mandate to ensure the production and distribution of quality and safe products in Nigerian markets, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to economic development through standardisation and quality assurance.



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