The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is intensifying efforts to ensure locally manufactured products, including the well-known Made-in-Aba brands, meet global quality standards. The initiative, driven by SON’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), aims to improve the marketability of Nigerian goods both locally and internationally.
Speaking on the development, SON’s South East Regional Director, Aharanwa Chuks, emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) through product testing, factory inspections, and direct engagement with manufacturers. Successful businesses receive MANCAP certification, a mark of compliance with national quality benchmarks.
Chuks highlighted that leather manufacturers in Aba have been sensitized on standardization practices to strengthen the global competitiveness of their products. While Made-in-Aba goods are known for affordability and craftsmanship, concerns over quality perception have limited their international reach. With proper certification, these manufacturers can enhance consumer trust and expand their markets beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Aba, a major industrial hub in Abia State, plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s leather and garment production. Reports indicate that traders from the city export approximately one million pairs of shoes weekly across West Africa, with the sector generating over N1 billion in sales in 2016. The Abia State Government has been instrumental in promoting local manufacturing, securing a $1.5 billion deal with a Chinese company in 2024 to boost Aba’s shoe industry.
As Nigeria pushes for economic diversification and industrial growth, SON’s standardization efforts are expected to position the country’s manufacturing sector for increased global trade participation.
