The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reiterated its resolve to enhance Nigeria’s export potential through the implementation of its flagship export certification programme, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Export Certification Programme (SONEXCAP).
Speaking during the 2025 World Standards Day celebration in Lagos, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the initiative was designed to ensure that Nigerian products meet international standards, thereby facilitating their acceptance across global markets.
According to Okeke, SONEXCAP provides practical solutions to the challenges faced by exporters and aims to position Nigerian-made goods competitively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“SONEXCAP is not merely a certification process; it represents our gateway to expanding Nigeria’s export frontiers. It builds trust in Nigerian products and opens access to regional and international markets,” he stated.
He emphasised that standards remain a key driver of trade facilitation and product competitiveness, urging exporters to leverage the scheme to tap into friendlier markets while contributing to national development, job creation, and wealth generation.
The SON boss also highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development, aligning with the year’s theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 17.”
“No country can attain its development objectives in isolation. We must foster stronger collaboration among government institutions, private sector operators, academia, and civil society,” Okeke said.
He added that a robust national quality infrastructure is crucial for advancing Nigeria’s priorities in industrialisation, food security, energy transition, and export expansion.
Okeke noted that SON has continued to strengthen partnerships with international bodies to enhance capacity in product testing and certification, improve market access for exporters, and boost consumer confidence in Nigerian goods.
He further explained that SONEXCAP supports small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by simplifying certification processes and helping them overcome technical barriers to trade.
“When a product carries the SON mark of quality, it signifies readiness for global competition. SONEXCAP is our declaration of confidence in the potential and excellence of Nigerian industries,” Okeke stated.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir represented by Mr. Joseph Imoleke commended SON for its collaborative approach under Okeke’s leadership, describing him as proactive and responsive to the needs of manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir expressed optimism that the SONEXCAP scheme would further enhance the credibility of Nigerian products and strengthen the country’s position in Africa’s expanding single market.
