Abuja – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating the quality of Made-in-Aba products through rigorous standardisation efforts aimed at boosting local acceptance and penetrating global markets.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking exclusively to NAN on Wednesday in Abuja, SON’s South-East Regional Director, Aharanwa Chuks, emphasized the agency’s drive to ensure that locally manufactured goods comply with the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).
Raising the Bar for Made-in-Aba Goods
Aba, known as Nigeria’s hub for indigenous craftsmanship and industrial production, has faced long-standing challenges regarding product quality and global competitiveness. SON’s intensified efforts seek to change this narrative, ensuring that Aba’s renowned leather, textiles, and manufacturing industries adhere to strict quality benchmarks.
“We are actively engaging Aba manufacturers, particularly in leather production, to guide them on standardisation practices that enhance their products’ global competitiveness,” Chuks stated.
Under MANCAP, SON carries out factory inspections, product testing, and certification to guarantee that Made-in-Nigeria goods meet regulatory requirements. Once certified, manufacturers receive the MANCAP certification, a seal of approval that bolsters consumer confidence and international marketability.
Analysts Weigh In: Can Aba Compete Globally?
Industry analysts believe that standardisation is a game-changer for Aba’s economic landscape, provided that manufacturers fully embrace compliance measures.
According to Dr. Emma Okonkwo, a manufacturing policy analyst, achieving internationally accepted quality standards could pave the way for Made-in-Aba products to enter European and American markets.
“Standardisation is non-negotiable if Aba’s products are to gain global traction. Buyers in international markets demand consistency, durability, and compliance with safety regulations,” Okonkwo noted.
Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs in Aba argue that financing and access to modern machinery remain major roadblocks. Ikechukwu Nwankwo, a leather goods producer, acknowledges the importance of SON’s intervention but urges the government to provide incentives for local manufacturers to upgrade their processes.
“We are ready to meet standards, but the cost of modernising our equipment and meeting certification requirements is high. The government needs to support us with grants or low-interest loans,” Nwankwo said.
Aba’s Standardisation Journey: Challenges & The Road Ahead
While SON’s initiative is commendable, experts warn that sustained progress will require more than just certification processes. Other pressing concerns include:
• Poor infrastructure affecting production efficiency
• High production costs due to unstable power supply
• Limited access to export markets
To tackle these issues, SON has ramped up stakeholder engagements, educating manufacturers on the benefits of compliance, branding, and export potential. The agency also encourages businesses to collaborate directly with SON to streamline the certification process.
Final Word: A Path to Global Excellence?
If successfully implemented, SON’s intensified standardisation drive could position Aba as Africa’s leading hub for quality craftsmanship. However, the success of this initiative hinges on collaborative efforts between manufacturers, regulators, and the government to create an enabling environment for growth.
As Nigeria pushes for increased non-oil exports, experts believe that Made-in-Aba products could become a symbol of Nigerian excellence—provided the right structures are put in place.
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