The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) on Wednesday presented Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates to 24 companies covering 78 products in Kaduna State.
Speaking at the MANCAP Certificate presentation in Kaduna, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, represented by the North-West Regional Director, Ahmad Saleh, said the event reflected the organization’s commitment to quality, safety and excellence in production.
Saleh said the certification was in recognition of their compliance with national quality standards.
He described the ceremony as a celebration of the achievements of companies that had embraced the MANCAP scheme, ensuring that their products meet the highest standards of safety, reliability and consumer satisfaction.
He commended the Kaduna State Office of SON for its dedication to implementing the programme and urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives aimed at raising standards across industries.
According to him, the certification of the products demonstrates the collective resolve of government, manufacturers and regulators to promote quality assurance, strengthen consumer confidence and support national economic growth.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Coordinator of SON Office 1, Engr. Emmanuel Hussaini, said the award ceremony was organized to celebrate manufacturers who had successfully met the requirements of relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and other approved specifications.
Hussaini explained that the MANCAP scheme was established under the SON Act 2015 to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to approved standards before being introduced into the market.
He noted that certification followed a comprehensive assessment process, including quality evaluation and performance testing, leading to the issuance of MANCAP certificates and logos to deserving companies and products.
According to him, product certification promotes quality awareness, prevents the circulation of substandard products, enhances consumer protection and provides a level playing field for businesses in domestic and international markets.
“Customers expect quality products and services. If manufacturers fail to deliver, consumers will quickly seek alternatives. Quality remains critical to customer satisfaction, increased patronage and profitability,” he said.
The state coordinator urged manufacturers to sustain good manufacturing practices, strengthen quality assurance systems and remain committed to standardization in order to remain competitive despite prevailing economic challenges.
He added that quality products contribute to environmental sustainability, facilitate international trade, attract foreign investment and increase foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Hussaini congratulated the 24 companies whose 78 products received certification and advised them to comply strictly with all conditions attached to the certification.
One of the award recipients, the Managing Director of Baba Rice, AS Usman, described the MANCAP certification as a major boost to the company’s commitment to quality and excellence.
Usman said the recognition would motivate the company to further improve its production processes and strengthen its competitiveness in both local and international markets.
“This recognition is a great encouragement to us. It motivates us to do more, improve continuously, and compete not only within Nigeria but also globally. It gives us confidence knowing that our efforts are being noticed and appreciated,” he said.
He noted that the certification was particularly significant because it followed SON’s independent inspection, monitoring and evaluation of the company’s operations.
According to him, the certification reinforces the company’s resolve to maintain the highest standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction.
Usman also encouraged other manufacturers and entrepreneurs to embrace quality assurance, comply with regulatory requirements and invest in continuous improvement.
He said Baba Rice had institutionalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and prioritized staff training to ensure consistency in production and product quality.
“In business, everyone learns from one another. We have learned from others, and today many people also come to learn from us.
“When you prioritize quality, recognition and growth will naturally follow,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MANCAP certification is awarded by SON to locally manufactured products that have met the requirements of relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards, assuring consumers of their quality, safety and reliability. (NAN)
