ROLES OF STANDARD ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA (SON) The highest decision making body of the SON is the Nigerian Standards Council (NSC). Its main functions include:
Advising the Federal Government on the national policy on standards, standards specifications, quality control and meteorology
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is a government agency responsible for the standardization and quality assurance of products and services in Nigeria. It was established by the Standards Organization of Nigeria Act No. 56 of 1971 and operates under the Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The primary objective of the Standard Organization of Nigeria is to ensure that goods produced or imported into Nigeria meet the minimum quality and safety standards set by the organization. The agency works to protect consumers from substandard products, promote fair competition, and enhance the overall quality of Nigerian products in both domestic and international markets.
Here are some key functions and responsibilities of the Standard Organization of Nigeria:
Standards Development: SON develops and publishes Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. These standards cover a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and services.
Product Certification: SON operates a product certification scheme, known as the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Program (MANCAP), which ensures that locally manufactured and imported products meet the specified standards before they can be sold in the Nigerian market.
Import and Export Quality Control: SON conducts pre-shipment inspection and certification of imported goods to ensure compliance with Nigerian standards. This helps to prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe products into the country.
Laboratory Services: The organization operates testing laboratories across Nigeria, where products are analyzed to verify their quality and safety. These laboratories conduct various tests, such as chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and microbiological examination.
Consumer Complaints Handling: SON receives and investigates consumer complaints regarding product quality and safety. It takes appropriate actions against manufacturers or importers found to be producing or selling substandard goods.
Standards Enforcement: SON carries out surveillance activities, market inspections, and raids to detect and remove substandard products from the Nigerian market. It collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance with standards and regulations.
Capacity Building and Public Awareness: The organization conducts training programs, workshops, and seminars to create awareness about quality standards and promote capacity building among stakeholders. It also engages in public education campaigns to inform consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
The Standard Organization of Nigeria plays a crucial role in promoting quality, safety, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s economy. By ensuring that products meet the required standards, SON aims to protect consumers, facilitate trade, and contribute to the overall development of the country.
Determining the overall financial, operational and administrative policy of the organization.
Determining appointments, remuneration and other conditions of services
HOW DOES SON -standard organization of nigeria- WORK IN NIGERIA
The Federal Government, on the recommendation of the Minister of Industry, appoints members of the Council. Members of the Council, who are drawn from both the public and private sectors, hold office for a term of four years. The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry is the Chairman.
After the NSC, the next level of authority lies with the Directorates, which report to the Director General. The specific functions of the Directorates are:
- Collecting, processing and banking data and information relating to the operation of the organization
- Developing a database of standards for local and international industries operating in Nigeria
There are currently eight Directorates in the SON organization. They are:
- Standards
- Quality Assurance
- Laboratory Services
- Planning Research and Information
- Management Systems
- Technical Services
- Finance and Supply
- Human Resources
standard organization of Nigeria- Offices of SON in Nigeria –
Kano and Kaduna in Northwest Nigeria
Minna and Jos in central Nigeria
Ibadan in Southwest Nigeria
Benin City, Uyo and Port Harcourt in Southern Nigeria
Enugu in Southeast Nigeria
Roles of SON
To organize test and do everything necessary to ensure compliance with standards designated and approved by the council; necessary to ensure compliance with standards designated and approved by the Council.
To undertake investigations as necessary into the quality of facilities materials and products in Nigeria, and establish a quality assurance system including certification of factories, products and laboratories;
To ensure reference standards for calibration and verification of measures and measuring instrument
To compile an inventory of products requiring standardization;
To compile Nigeria Industrial Standards etc.
The statutory functions of the SON are as follows:
To investigate the quality of facilities, materials and products in Nigeria, and establish a quality assurance system, including certification of factories; products and laboratories
To ensure reference standards for calibration and verification of measures and measuring instruments
To compile an inventory of products requiring standardization
To foster interest in the recommendation and maintenance of acceptable standards by industry and the general public
To develop methods for testing materials, supplies and equipment, including items purchased for use by State and Federal departments and private establishments
To register and regulate standard marks and specifications is one of the functions of SON
To undertake preparation and distribution of standard samples
To establish and maintain laboratories or other institutions, as may be necessary for the performance of its functions
To advise State and Federal departments of Government on specific problems relating to standards
To sponsor appropriate national and international conference
To undertake research as may be necessary for the performance of its functions
To use research facilities, whether public or private, according to terms and conditions agreed upon between the organization and the institutions concerned
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