The Functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

In a rapidly evolving global market where product quality, safety, and standardization are paramount, regulatory bodies play a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting consumers. In Nigeria, the organization charged with this responsibility is the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria span a wide array of regulatory, supervisory, and advisory roles aimed at ensuring that products and services within the country meet defined quality and safety standards. This article delves into the comprehensive roles and responsibilities of SON, highlighting its importance in national development, industrial growth, and consumer protection.

Historical Background and Establishment of SON

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was established in 1971 by the Enabling Act No. 56, which has undergone several amendments, with the most recent being the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No. 14 of 2015. The aim was to provide a platform for the formulation and enforcement of quality standards for all products in Nigeria—whether locally manufactured or imported.

SON operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It is a member of various international bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which enables it to maintain globally aligned standards in Nigeria.

Legal Mandate and Regulatory Authority

The SON Act empowers the organization to:

• Establish and approve standards for products, materials, measurements, and processes.

• Monitor the quality of products and ensure compliance with established standards.

• Certify products and systems, both locally and internationally.

• Impose sanctions on non-compliant entities and seize or destroy substandard products.

This legal backing reinforces the organization’s authority to take decisive action in enforcing standards across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Core Functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria

The functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are multifaceted and target different stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, government agencies, and the general public. Below are its key functions:

a. Standardization of Products and Services

One of the primary functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria is the development, publication, and dissemination of national standards. These standards cover a broad range of goods and services including electrical appliances, food products, construction materials, automobiles, and chemicals.

Standardization helps to:

• Promote uniformity in product quality.

• Facilitate fair trade.

• Enhance industrial competitiveness.

• Promote consumer confidence.

By standardizing procedures, materials, and outputs, SON ensures a minimum acceptable quality for both imported and locally produced goods.

b. Product Quality Certification and Conformity Assessment

SON is the sole agency in Nigeria authorized to issue quality certifications, including the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally made products and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported goods.

These certifications serve as proof that a product complies with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). The certification process includes:

• Product testing in accredited laboratories.

• Factory inspection and audit.

• Documentation review.

• Ongoing surveillance.

SON’s conformity assessment procedures protect Nigerian consumers from hazardous and counterfeit products while encouraging manufacturers to adhere to international best practices.

c. Inspection and Monitoring of Products

A critical component of the functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria is to conduct regular and unannounced inspections of manufacturing facilities, import warehouses, and marketplaces to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

SON inspectors are empowered to:

• Collect product samples for laboratory analysis.

• Seal or confiscate non-compliant goods.

• Issue stop-sell orders.

• Prosecute offenders where necessary.

The surveillance helps to prevent the circulation of substandard goods and supports a clean and competitive marketplace.

d. Consumer Protection and Advocacy

Protecting the health, safety, and interests of consumers is central to SON’s mission. The organization undertakes:

• Public sensitization campaigns on the dangers of using substandard products.

• Establishment of consumer complaint desks and hotlines.

• Engagement with civil society organizations to promote consumer rights.

• Collaboration with the media to raise awareness about standardization issues.

Through its consumer-centric initiatives, SON contributes to a safer and more informed society.

e. Testing and Calibration Services

SON operates several well-equipped laboratories across Nigeria that provide testing and calibration services. These labs are used to:

• Test product samples for conformity with standards.

• Provide third-party testing services to manufacturers.

• Support quality assurance in sectors such as oil & gas, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

Calibration of measurement instruments ensures accuracy in trade, science, and industry, thereby reducing disputes and promoting transparency.

f. Training and Capacity Building

Another important function of SON is to offer training and technical assistance to manufacturers, SMEs, and government agencies. These training programs are designed to:

• Improve understanding of quality management systems (QMS).

• Build capacity in standardization, metrology, and certification.

• Guide businesses on how to achieve and maintain product certification.

By building capacity, SON helps to strengthen local industries and prepare them for regional and global competition.

g. Research and Development (R&D)

To remain relevant and proactive, SON engages in research activities aimed at:

• Identifying emerging risks and technologies.

• Updating existing standards.

• Developing new standards in line with technological advancements.

• Enhancing national innovation and industrial policies.

R&D ensures that SON’s operations are dynamic and responsive to evolving national and global realities.

h. Representation at International Standards Bodies

SON represents Nigeria at international and regional standardization platforms. This involvement allows the organization to:

• Participate in the development of global standards.

• Align Nigeria’s national standards with international best practices.

• Influence policies that benefit Nigerian industries.

• Promote Nigerian products in the global market.

By staying globally connected, SON ensures that Nigeria is not left behind in international trade and regulatory developments.

Strategic Programmes Under SON

To achieve its objectives, SON runs several strategic programmes including:

• SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme): For pre-shipment inspection and certification of imported goods to ensure compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards.

• MANCAP (Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme): Focused on locally manufactured goods, MANCAP ensures that manufacturers meet defined product standards before placing them on the market.

• Product Authentication Mark (PAM): A digital traceability tool that enables consumers to verify the authenticity of products using QR codes or SMS.

• Standards Information and Resource Centre (SIRC): A public knowledge hub providing access to national and international standards documents.

 Challenges Facing the Standards Organisation of Nigeria

Despite its extensive responsibilities, SON faces a number of operational challenges, including:

• Limited enforcement capacity in some remote regions.

• Inadequate funding and infrastructure to match the pace of globalization.

• High volume of substandard imports, especially through unregulated entry points.

• Corruption and non-compliance within the distribution channels.

• Resistance from informal sector operators due to cost and bureaucracy.

Nonetheless, the organization continues to innovate and expand its regulatory framework to overcome these obstacles.

The Impact of SON on the Nigerian Economy

The functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria have significant ripple effects across the nation’s economy:

• Industrial Development: By enforcing quality standards, SON fosters industrial efficiency and productivity.

• Export Promotion: Certified products are more likely to gain entry into international markets.

• Public Health: Ensuring product safety minimizes health hazards and environmental degradation.

• Job Creation: Support for MSMEs through training and certification enhances employment.

• Revenue Generation: SON contributes to government income through fees, penalties, and taxes from standardized businesses.

Collaboration with Other Agencies

SON works collaboratively with:

• Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

• Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

• Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)

These partnerships help create a more cohesive regulatory environment that supports trade facilitation and economic growth.

Conclusion

The functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria are vital to national development, industrial transformation, and consumer protection. Through standardization, certification, inspection, testing, and advocacy, SON continues to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s marketplace. As globalization and technological advancements push the boundaries of production and commerce, SON’s role becomes even more critical in ensuring that Nigeria is not just a consumer of global goods but also a producer of quality exports that meet international benchmarks.

To optimize the functions of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, continued investment in infrastructure, manpower, and digital transformation is essential. More importantly, collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and government will help the organization fulfill its mandate effectively and sustainably.