Enugu: No fewer than 22 companies in Enugu State have been issued Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates for attaining international product standards.
Presenting the MANCAP certificates on Friday in Enugu, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that MANCAP certification comes with numerous benefits, as it enhances business growth and maximisation.
Represented by the Director of the South-East Region of SON, Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, the SON boss stated that the certification also encourages the production of excellent-quality products and promotes healthy competition through consistent compliance with relevant standards.
According to him, it encourages continual improvement in the quality of products and production processes by manufacturing industries in the country.
The director-general said, “MANCAP certification promotes global competitiveness among domestic manufacturers.
“It also promotes industrial/economic development by ensuring that Made-in-Nigeria products meet the requirements of the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards”.
Okeke stated that MANCAP provided consumers with confidence that the products they purchased would not only meet the intended use but also offer value for money.
He urged all manufacturers, producers, importers, and exporters to take advantage of the services offered by the agency to improve their businesses and promote Made-in-Nigeria brands.
In an address, the Coordinator of SON in the state, Mr Peter Ameh, stated that the continued issuance of MANCAP certificates to numerous companies served as a testament that most Made-in-Nigeria products met the highest international standards.
Ameh commended the MANCAP-certified companies and encouraged them to maintain the standards so that SON would not withdraw their certificates.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry in Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Onah, lauded SON for implementing policies and programmes meant to assist manufacturers and producers to meet relevant standards.
Responding, Ms Precious Oihoma, one of the recipients of the certificate and Manager of Divine Rose Bakery, appreciated SON for finding the company and its product worthy of the agency’s prestigious MANCAP certificate.
“I will ensure that the best practices that earned my bakery and its delicious baked products this certification are continued, even as we plan to deliver our products throughout the country,” Oihoma said.
