No fewer than 22 companies in Enugu State have been issued with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates for attaining international products standards.
Presenting the MANCAP certificates on Friday in Enugu, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that MANCAP certification came with lots of benefits as it enhanced business growth and maximisation.
Represented by the Director South-East Region of SON, Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, the SON boss said that the certification also encouraged production of excellent quality products and healthy competition through consistent compliance to relevant standards.
According to him, it encourages continual improvement on 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 Nigeria Industrial Standards”.
Okeke said that MANCAP provided confidence to consumers that products purchased would not only meet intended use but offered value for money.
He urged all manufacturers and producers including importers and exporters to take advantage of the services being offered by the agency to better their businesses and promote Made-in-Nigeria brands.
In an address, the Coordinator of SON in the state, Mr Peter Ameh, said that the continued issuance of MANCAP certificates to many companies remained a testimonial that most Made-in-Nigeria products met the best 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 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, one of the recipients of the certificate and Manager of Divine Rose Bakery, Ms Precious Oihoma, appreciated SON for finding the company and 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.
