The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has pledged to continue supporting economic and industrial development across the South-East. Its Director-General, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, gave the assurance during the 2026 World Standards Day celebration in Enugu.
Okeke spoke on Friday during the South-East regional edition of the Walk for Standards. He said SON would continue promoting quality, safety and innovation to strengthen industries and support national development. The commitment aligns with wider efforts to sustain development gains across Enugu State.
SON Highlights South-East Industrial Potential
Represented by the Director of South-East Regional Operations, Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, Okeke praised the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. He noted that Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo have strong traditions in manufacturing, commerce and technical craftsmanship.
According to him, SON continues to promote these strengths and help businesses improve their products and production processes. He said stronger standards would help local industries grow and contribute more to Nigeria’s economy. The agency’s focus also complements discussions around attracting investment, including the RMAFC initiative to seek Chinese investment.
Okeke explained that participants did not take to Enugu’s major roads simply for physical exercise. Instead, the walk demonstrated their shared commitment to quality, consumer safety and sustainable development.
World Standards Day Focuses on Clean Energy
This year’s World Standards Day theme was “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).” The theme highlights the importance of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for households, businesses and industries.
Okeke said standards provide the technical foundation for safe and efficient energy systems. These include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, energy-efficient appliances, battery storage systems and smart meters.
He added that Nigerian Industrial Standards provide technical guidance for renewable energy deployment and improved efficiency. They also help prevent substandard products from endangering consumers and undermining environmental goals.
By aligning national standards with international best practices, SON aims to improve the safety and reliability of electrical appliances and energy installations. This focus is increasingly relevant as Nigeria explores new energy solutions, including the planned rollout of smart self-service filling stations by NNPC.
The clean-energy agenda also connects with wider conversations about renewable power and household access to electricity. One related development is the proposal for solar power in every Nigerian household.
SON Explains Its Quality Assurance Mandate
Okeke said SON operates under the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No. 14 of 2015. Its core responsibilities include promoting standardisation, ensuring quality assurance and strengthening Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure.
He highlighted several programmes that help protect consumers and support manufacturers. One is the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), which checks whether locally manufactured products comply with Nigerian Industrial Standards.
The agency also operates SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) and product certification schemes. These help verify products entering the country and protect consumers against substandard or hazardous electrical, mechanical and energy-related goods.
Okeke further identified SON’s laboratories as important tools for product testing and consumer protection. Their work helps detect potentially dangerous batteries, inefficient solar installations and electrical hazards before they cause harm.
The agency also relies on the National Metrology Institute in Enugu. According to Okeke, the institute supports accredited measurement science, fair trade, accurate energy metering and industrial quality.
These services can help manufacturers improve product consistency and strengthen consumer confidence. They also support the wider economic ambitions discussed by industry groups, including NACCIMA’s backing for Enugu’s $30 billion economic target.
Standards Seen as Key to Industrial Growth
The SON director-general said stronger standards could help businesses compete more effectively and support national development. For small businesses and manufacturers, compliance can improve product quality and build trust among customers.
The benefits extend beyond manufacturing to agriculture, trade, infrastructure and other sectors. Enugu’s development programmes have also drawn attention to the role of infrastructure and public investment in economic growth, as highlighted in the report on Governor Peter Mbah’s development achievements.
Community development initiatives also contribute to the wider environment in which businesses operate. Readers can learn more about local participation in development through the report on [community sensitisation and participatory rural appraisal in six Enugu communities](https://torchtvnews.com/csda-takes-community-sensitisation-pra-exercise
