Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been identified as the bedrock for employment generation and economic transformation of Nigeria. The Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said this at a breakfast meeting organised by Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Lagos.
Speaking on the topic, “Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS): A new approach,” Odumodu described the SMEs as key sector for national economic transformation. He said the SON was focusing on certification of more SMEs in the country to encourage local content and create jobs for Nigerians.
Odumodu, represented by Deputy Director of SON, Mrs. Margaret E. Eshiett, said the agency has embarked on ICT infrastructural development and engagement of experts to enhance quality service delivery, saying; “Consumer products are now registered and captured on the SON website for easy access to stakeholders in the industry.”
The SON boss encouraged Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods to strengthen the local industries. He noted that Made-in-Nigeria goods, though, more expensive are better than foreign ones.
According to Odumodu, the SON is working with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to build confidence in Made-in-Nigeria brands through public awareness. He promised that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant bodies to provide standard for goods in the country in line with international regulations.
The president, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu, in his opening remark noted that Nigeria is faced with reputation problem due to double-standard in business dealings.
“We have to realise that cutting corners can’t help our nation; standard must be kept in the interest of all,” said Adefulu.
He urged the SON DG to work without sentiment as the late Prof. Dora Akunyili did in the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for his name to be written in gold.
Source : Independent
