By Nkechi Eze
In a determined effort to bolster product quality and foster economic development, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) held a crucial sensitization meeting with electronics dealers and manufacturers at the Ilorin Electronics Dealers Market in Kwara State on Tuesday, July 16, 2025. The engagement focused on enlightening stakeholders about the indispensable role of standardization in their operations, with the agency reiterating its commitment to curbing substandard products and promoting a culture of quality across the country.
The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Talatu Ethan, delivered a strong message underscoring the importance of prioritizing quality products in all aspects of production and distribution. He emphasized that adherence to the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) is not only essential for the safety of consumers but also a strategic path to sustainable business growth, enhanced competitiveness, job creation, and national economic development.
“Standardization is not an abstract concept but a business imperative. When you comply with SON’s standards, you’re not just protecting consumers, you’re expanding opportunities, opening doors to new markets, and ensuring long-term success,” Dr. Okeke stated through his representative. “We encourage you to fully leverage the expertise and resources of our Kwara State office, access information on NIS, and ensure you obtain the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certificates for all your imported electronics.”
The Director General also assured stakeholders that SON was committed to building a collaborative partnership with industry players and local markets to address the growing concern of substandard products in circulation. He described the sensitization meeting as part of the agency’s broader national engagement campaign aimed at bridging the gap between regulatory bodies and stakeholders in the informal and semi-formal sectors.
The session featured key contributions from several SON officials and partners. Mrs. Tosan Akosile, a Public Information Strategy (PIS) consultant to SON, commended the electronics dealers for their openness to engagement and their willingness to improve standards in their businesses. She noted that the agency’s renewed interface with market associations and manufacturers was yielding significant positive outcomes across the country.
Also speaking, Mr. Feyisayo Ayeni, the Kwara State Coordinator of SON, lauded the turnout of participants and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to provide continued guidance and support to all electronics traders in the state. He explained that the Kwara SON office was equipped to handle product certification, respond to inquiries on compliance processes, and provide tailored assistance to local businesses seeking to navigate regulatory frameworks.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation on Product Liability Standards by Mrs. Alhassan Ibukun, who stressed the critical responsibility that manufacturers, importers, and sellers bear in ensuring that only safe, traceable, and high-quality products reach the Nigerian market. She warned that ignorance of liability standards would no longer be an excuse in cases of consumer harm or product failure, adding that SON would intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities to safeguard public health and safety.
“The era of hiding behind import papers or blaming overseas manufacturers is over. Every dealer, manufacturer, and importer must be held accountable. Product liability is not just about avoiding sanctions, it’s about building trust and protecting your business reputation,” Mrs. Ibukun said firmly.
The electronics dealers, under the auspices of the Electronics Marketers Association, Ilorin Branch, expressed deep appreciation for the sensitization drive. The Chairman of the association, Mr. Emeka Okafor, in his remarks, described the initiative as timely and necessary, given the growing influx of electronic gadgets and the accompanying risks associated with substandard imports. He pledged the association’s cooperation with SON and urged members to take full advantage of the resources made available.
“We are very grateful to SON for coming directly to engage us in our market. This shows sincerity, and we assure you that our members will take everything we’ve learned seriously. We want our customers to have confidence in the products they buy from us,” Mr. Okafor stated.
The event concluded with a lively interactive question-and-answer session where participants sought clarification on SONCAP procedures, how to authenticate products, and how to resolve issues of non-compliance. The dialogue further strengthened the rapport between SON officials and the local business community, cementing a shared vision of quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
