The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has launched a campaign to eradicate fake and substandard products in the country. Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, announced the introduction of a technology-driven authentication system. This system enables consumers to verify the genuineness of goods using their mobile phones. The initiative aims to strengthen market surveillance, product authentication, and traceability. This effort seeks to make it easier for consumers to distinguish genuine products from unapproved goods.
The Product Authentication Tracking System allows consumers to check products with embedded identification technology. This helps establish whether products meet SON's requirements. The system reduces dependence on physical visits or enquiries to the agency. Dr. Okeke emphasized that the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve consumer protection. It also aims to ensure businesses operating in Nigeria adhere to established quality and safety requirements.
Dr. Okeke urged market associations, traders, and business owners to stock and sell only products bearing appropriate SON certification marks. He warned that standards are essential to fair competition, consumer confidence, and the survival of compliant manufacturers. Producers of substandard goods enjoy an unfair cost advantage over manufacturers investing in quality. This undermines legitimate businesses and weakens the credibility of Nigerian products.
SON is transitioning from its old certification logo to a more recognizable design. This change helps consumers identify approved products more easily. The agency is also strengthening its market surveillance and product authentication processes. This move aims to close gaps exploited by counterfeiters in the domestic market. The country has experienced an unprecedented proliferation of fake products in recent times.
Beyond product authentication, SON has migrated its conformity assessment processes under the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) and import permit procedures. These processes are now part of the National Single Window. The move intends to improve transparency and streamline transactions for legitimate traders. The agency has also introduced a digital standards platform to modernize standardization processes.
The digital standards platform improves online access to standards. It supports businesses that need to comply with technical requirements. SON's work extends across energy management, transportation, food safety, healthcare, and other strategic sectors. Standards provide the benchmarks needed to protect consumers, facilitate trade, and strengthen industrial competitiveness. Nigeria's participation in international trade depends partly on the ability of local producers to meet recognized quality requirements.
Consistent standards can build confidence in Made-in-Nigeria products and improve their competitiveness. SON hosted the first African Quality Mark Award Ceremony. The ceremony recognized Nigerian companies and products that had attained continental quality certification. The event's focus on energy standards targets efficiency and lower costs.
Key points
- The Standards Organisation of Nigeria introduces a technology-driven authentication system.
- SON strengthens market surveillance and product authentication.
- The agency transitions to a more recognizable certification logo.
