The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has restated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s export capacity and enhancing the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods through its flagship export certification scheme, “SONEXCAP””.
Speaking at the 2025 World Standards Day celebration in Lagos, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, urged manufacturers and exporters to leverage the certification scheme to access regional and international markets. He noted that SONEXCAP was specifically designed to address the quality challenges confronting Nigerian exporters.
According to him, the programme ensures that Nigerian-made products meet international standards and are accepted across African markets, especially 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 said.
He emphasised the crucial role of standards in trade facilitation, adding that adherence to quality benchmarks is key to gaining global recognition. He encouraged exporters to embrace more compliant and “friendly” markets, which would, in turn, drive wealth creation, job opportunities, and national development.
This year’s World Standards Day, themed *‘Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 17’*, highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships. Okeke stressed that no nation can achieve development in isolation, calling for stronger cooperation between government agencies, 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 stated.
Okeke added that conformity assessment and quality assurance require collective effort built on partnership and mutual trust. He also revealed that SON has deepened collaboration with international bodies to enhance capacity for product testing and certification—critical steps to protect consumers and strengthen local industries.
Beyond certification, SONEXCAP provides support to small and medium-scale enterprises by simplifying export procedures and improving product credibility, helping MSMEs overcome barriers to market entry.
Okeke encouraged Nigerian businesses to adopt SONEXCAP as a tool for competitiveness and growth. “When Nigerian products carry the SON mark of quality, it tells the world we are ready. SONEXCAP is our statement of confidence in the excellence and potential of the Nigerian industry,” he said.
As the country intensifies efforts toward economic diversification, he noted that SONEXCAP will play a pivotal role in positioning Nigeria as a key player within Africa’s single market.
The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, represented by Mr Joseph Imoleke, commended SON’s leadership under Dr Okeke for its ongoing support to manufacturers and commitment to building a stronger trade environment. He described the SON DG as a proactive leader who listens to industry concerns and fosters meaningful partnership with the private sector.
