SON DG Links Substandard Products To Low Disposable Income Of Nigerians

Harboursandport.com: Abuja - The Director-General, Standards Organisation Of Nigeria, SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, has linked the high-level substandard products in the country to the low disposable income of Nigerians. 

Salim, who spoke on Monday during the 50th-anniversary celebration of SON in Abuja, identified the challenge of foreign trade policy of some Governments that actively encourage the exportation of substandard products.

He said, “while acknowledging the modest achievements and strides of SON in the last 50 years, 

my vision for the Organisation in the next 50 years is to be the foremost standardised body in Africa and among the top ranking globally. 

“While this vision is achievable, the Organisation will need to surmount several challenges such as Changes in Government policies like the often removal of the Organisation at points of entry. Huge population growth with limited resources gives rise to communal restiveness. 

“Limited research and development activities to keep pace with rapid innovation in the society. The likelihood of harsh weather and increased natural disasters occasioned by global warming. Increase in litigation against activities of the Organisation.”

He added: “To mitigate  the expected challenges, we need to evolve as a dynamic and innovative body, investing in the following critical areas; efficient workforce with the required skill set, cutting edge technology, appropriate and strategic infrastructure, enhanced meaningful collaboration with stakeholders.”

In her keynote address, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Katagum, said SON played a crucial role in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

This was even as she assured the Organisation of the Ministry’s continued support in achieving this feat.

She said, “One of the goals of this administration is that the country’s economy especially the manufacturing sector benefits fully from the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The role of SON in achieving this is obvious as the assurance of adherence to internationally accepted standards which SON ensures will eliminate technical barriers to trade, making our products more competitive. I wish to assure the Organisation of the continued support of the Ministry in its efforts to achieve this.”