SON wants industries, businesses to invest more in quality infrastructure

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is seeking increased investment by industries and businesses in quality infrastructure as a means of enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and improving competitiveness in the marketplace.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration, the Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, called on industries and businesses to invest more in proper calibration systems, quality control mechanisms, and conformity assessment processes.

“This is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets.”

He said World Metrology Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, a landmark agreement that established global cooperation in measurement science.

“Since then, metrology has remained fundamental to scientific advancement, industrial development, international trade, consumer protection, healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, and national economic growth.

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“Governments, industries, regulators, and consumers all require trustworthy measurement systems to make informed decisions that impact lives, businesses, and national development.

“Indeed, measurements influence virtually every aspect of our daily existence, from the quantity of fuel dispensed at filling stations and the accuracy of medical diagnostics to the safety of food and pharmaceuticals, industrial production processes, environmental monitoring, energy distribution, and digital technologies.”

Okeke explained that “without confidence in measurements, public trust in systems and institutions can be weakened. At the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, metrology remains one of our core mandates in strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure.

“Through our calibration, testing, inspection, and standards development activities, SON continues to promote accuracy, traceability, fairness, and compliance across sectors of the economy.

“We recognise that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable industrialisation and global competitiveness under the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy, our products and services must meet internationally accepted standards and measurement requirements.

“Accurate measurement is therefore not merely a technical necessity; it is a strategic economic tool that supports innovation, facilitates trade, enhances consumer confidence, and attracts investment,” he stated.

Also speaking at the World Metrology Day event, the Chairman of the Standards Council, Yahuza Ado Inuwa, reaffirmed that the Standards Council remains committed to strengthening SON’s mandate as a key driver of national quality infrastructure and industrial development.

“Through policy guidance, oversight responsibilities, and stakeholder engagement, the Council continues to support initiatives aimed at ensuring that SON achieves its crucial mandate.

“I believe that through sustained collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared commitment to national development, we can collectively reposition SON to achieve even greater impact in service delivery and economic transformation.

“Today’s celebration therefore goes beyond technical discussions about measurements. It is about national development, economic credibility, industrial growth, and public trust.”

The World Metrology Day celebration organised by SON was attended by stakeholders across various sectors.