Wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago has commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its efforts in improving the quality of locally produced goods in the state.
The State First Lady gave the commendation when she received a delegation from SON on a courtesy visit led by the state Coordinator of SON in Niger State, Hajiya Hauwa Nuhu Yusuf at her office in Minna.
She said that the organisation’s interventions had significantly enhanced product certification and standardisation among local entrepreneurs.
Hajiya Fatima Bago recalled a programme organised by Zenith bank for entrepreneurs shortly after her assumption of office, where various locally made products were showcased.
The First Lady also said there has been remarkable improvement in product certification in the state over the past few years, with even small-scale products now meeting required standards.
“Today, even products such as zobo are certified. This is a great achievement, and I urge entrepreneurs to continue to uphold product standards for the safety of our health and that of the people,” she added.
She expressed her readiness to push for the state government to strengthen collaboration with SON to further boost local production in the state, saying her office remained open for support.
Earlier,, the State Coordinator of SON, Hajiya Hauwa Nuhu Yusuf said the visit was to commiserate with the Niger government and the people of the state over the recent spate of killings and kidnappings of innocent victims in the rural communities of the State, saying, “the incidents are distressing not only to Nigerlites , but also to all Nigerians.
According to her, “We were very prayerful. Since the incident begun, we joined the governor to pray for their release. We were emotionally distressed, but we are happy the children are back home and reunited with their parents and guardians.”
She added that the visit was also to appreciate the First Lady for her doggedness, resilience and motherly role during the period, as well as to brief her on SON’s activities in the state.
She explained that SON was mandated to ensure quality assurance and standardisation of products and services, as well as enforce compliance with approved standards.
“Our work is broad, we check the quality of products and services, elaborate standards and enforce their use.
“That is why we have the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP),” She said.
She disclosed further that SON had made significant impact on entrepreneurship in Niger State, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and certified over 300 locally produced MSME products in the state.
“Some of these entrepreneurs, because of the visibility we give them, now have products competing in the international markets,” she said.
Hauwa Nuhu Yusuf also stated that SON had issued marks of quality to locally produced goods, noting that three products from Niger State had gained international competitiveness and received SME awards.
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