SON Trains over 400 SMEs to Promote Export

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said that it trained 400 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on standards to enable them compete globally and earn forex. 

This, it said, will further mitigate the forex crisis currently experienced in the country, “as more export earnings will help in revitalizing the national economy.” 

The Director General of the organisation, Mallam Farouk Salim, who stated this during the question and answer section at the general sensitisation and training for MSMEs, themed:  “Products Competitiveness: Driving Home-Grown Economy Via Standardisation,” noted that competition is what drives the world today. 

He noted that in every sphere of life, there is serious competition going on and so if one has to compete, it means one must be ready, prepared and equipped to compete actively, effectively and profitably.

Salim pointed out that the county requires local products that are borderless; products that Nigerians in the Diaspora, quite millions of them, can patronize; standard and quality products that are acceptable and competitive anywhere across the world, particularly in Africa, “now that we are preparing for the common market- African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Nigeria, the giant should not ‘carry last’ in AfCFTA.”

ASalim explained that product competitiveness requires that the particular product must have been manufactured or produced in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

He appreciated the efforts of MSMEs towards growing their businesses and developing the economy, he, however asked them to do more. “Most of you have been working closely with SON to produce quality goods. We are proud of this positive development-that SMEs and industrialists are producing good and quality products.

However, we need to do more. We are encouraging all of us to do more; that is why we are bringing standardisation closer to your doorsteps. Training workshops and sensitisation programs like this mean that SON encourages the growth of businesses and local industries.

He emphasised that sub-standard products pose grave dangers not only to lives and property but to economic development of any country, standardisation results in industrial and economic growth, global acceptability and competitiveness of locally made products a.k.a made in Nigeria products and overall national development and security, among others. “These are why SON insists on standards adherence for MSMEs across the country.”

In his goodwill message, Chairman, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Adams Adebayo, applauded the program, saying this is the time the country needs standardisation, so that products can be widely accepted. “We need to be up and doing. Home grown economy could be achieved by us via standardisation.”

For his part, President, Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), Iche Saviour, there cannot be standardisation without money, small businesses need loans with low interest rate to thrive.