By Nkechi Eze
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation and economic growth through the enforcement and integration of quality standards in locally developed products. This was emphasized during the inaugural South-East Techno Expo 2025, held by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), where SON engaged with graduating incubatees from across the region.
Representing the Director-General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, at the event was Mr. Chukwuma Aharanwa, who underscored the critical importance of certification and standardization in ensuring the market viability of products developed by Nigeria’s emerging innovators.
“For these products to compete, not only in our domestic market but also on a global scale, adherence to national and international standards is non-negotiable,” said Mr. Aharanwa. “Our key schemes the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and the SON Product Identification Scheme (SONPIS) are designed specifically to support businesses like yours in gaining market credibility and consumer trust.”
The South-East Techno Expo 2025 marks a major milestone for the NBTI, as it celebrated the achievements of a new cohort of innovators and entrepreneurs emerging from its incubation program. The expo served as a platform to showcase technologies and inventions developed within the region, providing an opportunity for industry engagement, investment, and public-private sector collaboration.
SON used the opportunity to call on the leadership of the NBTI to deepen collaboration by organizing regular forums and technical workshops that would help graduating incubatees understand and apply standardization practices right from the development stage of their products.
“We are not just regulators; we are partners in progress,” Mr. Aharanwa emphasized. “SON offices across the South-East are open and ready to work with each of you. We want to help you navigate the certification process and integrate standards into your systems from the ground up.”
The Director-General also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates of the program, praising their innovation, resilience, and dedication to quality a combination he described as essential for driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
“The future of Nigeria’s industrialization lies in the hands of innovators like you. Your commitment to quality will not only shape your success but also contribute significantly to our national economy,” Dr. Okeke noted in his message.
The event concluded with an exhibition of products by the graduating incubatees, drawing interest from investors, development partners, and government agencies.
As Nigeria seeks to expand its footprint in global markets, SON’s continued collaboration with technology incubation centers is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Nigerian products meet international benchmarks, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability.
