The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Thursday in Kaduna issued certificates of Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) to 31 businesses in the state.

Some of the businesses were certified while others were revalidated.

The MANCAP is a mandatory product certification scheme.

The scheme is put in place by SON to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to the relevant Nigerian industrial standards before they are presented for sale or export.

Presenting the certificates to the business owners, Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, said MANCAP had been a cornerstone of the agency’s efforts to uphold the highest standards in product manufacturing across the nation.

Mr Okeke, represented by Isaac Omebije, the Director of the North-West region of SON, said the MANCAP-certified companies had demonstrated unwavering commitment to quality and adherence to rigorous standards.

He added, “They also showed dedication to excellence that served as a beacon of inspiration for others in the industry.’’

Mr Okeke stated that the process leading to MANCAP certification involved a series of stringent evaluations, rigorous testing, and continuous improvements.

“It is designed to ensure that every product that carries the MANCAP mark is a testament to safety, reliability, and superior quality.

“The companies we honour today have not only met these standards but have exceeded them, showcasing their commitment to delivering the best to consumers,” he said.

Mr Okeke restated SON’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in their quest for excellence and quality.

He assured that the agency would continue to provide the necessary frameworks, support, and guidance to ensure that Nigerian products compete globally and stand proudly on the international stage.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of SON, Mamza Irmiya, implored the business owners to strive for more.

He warned them that any infractions noticed in their processes would lead to the revocation of the certificates, which could not be retrieved.

Mr Irmiya called on businesses to standardise their products, adding that it had many benefits.

“They include reduction of cost, paving the way for employment and giving the producers the leverage to actualise their desired goals and dreams.

“When you embrace standards, you will get things done right within a short period of time, with little resources.

“If you work outside the standard norm, there will be a lot of waste; trial and error will set in,” Mr Irmiya said.

One of the MANCAP-certified business owners, Peter Kuku of Tak Agro and Chemicals Ltd., said his company went through lots of inspections and visits from SON.

He said, “It wasn’t easy, but we are committed to providing standard products to our customers.’’

He, however, thanked SON for the certification while pledging to use it to better his business.

Some of the MANCAP-certified businesses include Global Care Industry Ltd., Simalox Paint and Decoration Services, Matrix Fertiliser Ltd., Euro Form, Jafco Industries Ltd., Al-Babello Trading Company Ltd., among others.

(NAN)