In a significant boost for small-scale manufacturing, 31 local businesses in Kaduna State have received the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), signalling a major step toward product standardisation and market growth.
The MANCAP certification confirms that a company’s products meet Nigerian Industrial Standards, providing assurance of quality, safety, and consistency. This approval is expected to enhance consumer trust and open up new commercial opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.
At the presentation ceremony held Thursday, SON Director General, represented by North-West Regional Director Isaac Omebije, praised the certified enterprises for their commitment to quality and for serving as examples to others in the informal manufacturing space.
“The MANCAP certification is a rigorous journey involving strict quality checks,” he said. “These small businesses have shown they can compete by prioritising safety, consistency, and product integrity.”
Kaduna State SON Coordinator Mamza Irmiya stressed the need for businesses to maintain these standards, warning that failure to do so could lead to loss of certification. He also urged SMEs to embrace standardisation as a tool for sustainable growth, improved operations, and broader access to local and international markets.
One of the certified entrepreneurs, Peter Kuku of Tak Agro and Chemicals Ltd., described the process as challenging but rewarding. He noted that the multiple inspections and reviews required for certification have helped boost customer confidence and better position his company for growth.
To further ease access for micro and small businesses, SON recently introduced a macro certification fee and launched the Product Identification Scheme (PIS), which helps SMEs whose products are not yet covered by national standards. Through the PIS, SON offers testing, mentorship, and support services, creating a smoother path to certification for emerging businesses.
Companies such as Global Care Industry Ltd., Simalox Paint and Decoration Services, Matrix Fertilizer Ltd., and Al-babello Trading Company Ltd. were among those awarded certificates. Their success highlights the growing awareness among local manufacturers of the need to adhere to quality standards and formalise their operations.
The MANCAP initiative is part of SON’s wider effort to support Nigeria’s SME sector by fostering product quality, promoting standardisation, and increasing access to formal markets. With this move, Kaduna’s small business landscape is poised for enhanced competitiveness, both domestically and in the export market.
