On the 10th of August, Cotecna and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) co-hosted a sensitization event in the South-East region of Nigeria themed “A One-day General Sensitization on the Importance of SON Regulatory Activities in Economic Development “.
The event which took place at one of the major commercial hubs in the South-East, Aba, Abia State was largely attended by Importers and Manufacturers. Also present were Ministries, Departments and Agencies of other regulatory agencies such as NESRA, NAFDAC and the Nigerian Civil Defence, Director Department of State Services, Abia state represented by the Deputy Director Operations.
The event was also graced by the Honourable commissioner for Industry Abia state, Chief Mrs Uwaoma Olewenga. Cotecna was represented by Mr. Ade Adediran, Cotecna Country Manager and the Cotecna Nigeria team.
The seminar kicked off with an introduction and opening remarks from the SON Director General, who was represented by Engineer Fred Akingbesote, Director South-East Region SON, he began with a welcome address to all in attendance, where he emphasized the need for the Sensitization; to raise awareness towards business owners, importers, manufacturers and all in attendance on the need to comply with Standards and its economic importance.
Other guests such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESRA) and NAFDAC also shared some important messages.
Mr. Ade Adediran, Cotecna Country Manager introduced Cotecna, its core values; emphasizing how we “Dream”, ‘Dare” and “Deliver”. He also referred to the relationship between SON and Cotecna as a beautiful marriage which has been ongoing since 2013 till date, he encouraged importers/manufacturers to collaborate and ensure that standards and regulations are being followed as this would bring about economic growth and reduction in the circulation of substandard products.
Engineer Fred Akingbesote, Director South-East Region SON made a presentation on “Economic Importance of SON Regulatory Activities on National Development”.
The SON Port & Border Operation was represented by Engr Dosumu Tajudeen Tijani, Head Ports and Borders, and the Inspectorate & Compliance Directorate (ICD) represented by Engr. Enebi who also gave their presentations.
This was followed by a presentation of the Product Certification Department by Engr. Tersoo Orngudwem, Director Product Certification Department, and SON Director, Marketing Engr Adewumi Richard.
The presentations ended with the SON State Coordinator Aba, Mr. Lad Alabi-Oluyomi informing the audience on the resolution being put in place by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to tackle substandard goods in the region. He urged all and sundry to cooperate with SON to curb the production and use of substandard goods in the region.
The floor was opened for a question-and-answer session, before the Honorable Commissioner for Industry, Abia State, gave the closing remarks and presented certificates of attendance to some participants. Finally, the vote of thanks was given by the Cotecna Country Manager, Mr. Ade Adediran.
Cotecna was very proud to collaborate with SON on this sensitization program which was held in one of the major commercial hubs in the Nation. As a reminder, since 2013, Cotecna has been partnering with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in running the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) to ensure that the quality and safety regulations of Nigeria imports are met. To find out how Cotecna can help you export to Nigeria, please contact us
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.