SON Promises Nigerians the Best Metrology Institute in W’Africa

By Raheem Akingbolu

Standards organisation of Nigeria (SON), has revealed that work is ongoing on the establishment of Nigeria’s Metrology Institute in Enugu State.

This was disclosed at the 2016 World’s Metrology Day celebration put together by the agency in collaboration with Weight and Measurement Department, and United Nation Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

In his presentation on the theme: ‘Measurement in A Dynamic World’, Director Metrology &Instruments (SON), Obiora Manafa stated that when completed, the institute will have “the highest accuracy level in the ECOWAS Region” and will establish a “national primary measurement standard for Nigeria comparable with the highest level across the world.”

He explained that neglecting the importance of measurement is like committing economic suicide, as inaccurate measurement brings dire consequences.  Hence, NMI will ensure that every industrial measurement in the country has traceability and accuracy and it will be available to all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

His words: “The National Metrology Institute will be custodian of National Measurement Standards with the highest measurement reference in the country through traceability to the SI unites.

“Measurement is life. It takes place in all facets of human activities. NMI will be responsible for dissemination of measurement standards and provide traceability and accuracy of measurement to industries, laboratories, trade and commerce, aviation, Oil & Gas, agriculture, health, education, automobile, mining, power and other sectors of the economy.

“NMI will benefit our international trade. It will boost the country’s export base by providing required confidence and reliability through certificate of conformation on all products from Nigeria.

“In addition, it will aid diversification of our economy and will save huge money presently being paid by Nigerians to foreign NMIs for calibration. It will as well ensure level playing field for commerce and further enhance consumer protection.”

Manafa noted that the institute will harness local resources. He said the institute was designed by a local architect and is being built by Nigerians, adding that laboratory equipments in the institute will be funded by European Union; coordinated by UNIDO.