The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certified 62 locally manufactured products in Ebonyi State, reinforcing quality and safety standards in the region’s manufacturing sector. The certification, granted under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), was awarded to 29 companies in a ceremony held in Abakaliki.
Presenting the certificates on Friday, SON’s Director-General, Ifeanyi Okeke—represented by the Head of SON’s South East Directorate, Chukwuma Aharanwa—stressed that MANCAP certification aligns with SON’s mission to standardize Nigerian products. He noted that ensuring high-quality local production would enhance consumer confidence and improve market competitiveness.
“This empowers the companies to produce and distribute goods to consumers both within Ebonyi State and across Nigeria,” he said.
Okeke explained that MANCAP ensures all locally produced goods meet the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) before reaching the market or being exported. He emphasized that SON would conduct periodic factory inspections, product sampling, and testing to ensure continued compliance, with certification revalidation required every three years. Companies failing to maintain standards risk suspension or withdrawal of certification.
SON’s State Coordinator, Maryrose Ugwueche, described the certification as a mark of quality that boosts both national and international acceptance of Nigerian products.
Among the certified companies are Chillies Food Ltd, Nourisher Continental Fast Food, Aguwa Aluminium Ltd, Joppa Table Water Ltd, Robban Store, Almighty Shekinah Water, and Spring Cealis Table Water. Vegas Restaurant and Bakery also received recognition for its bread production.
Speaking on behalf of the certified companies, Ikenna Emegi, Manager of Aguwa Aluminium Ltd, expressed gratitude to SON and pledged his company’s commitment to maintaining global standards.
“Today is memorable for us. I am delighted to receive MANCAP. I thank SON and God for making this possible,” he said.
The certification is part of SON’s broader efforts to promote standardization, protect consumers, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing industry.
This initiative comes amid concerns over low patronage of locally made products, with manufacturers struggling with unsold inventory worth trillions of naira in 2024, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Experts have emphasized that local manufacturers need stronger market support and investment to enhance product quality and competitiveness.
