In his welcome address, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General/Chief Executive of SON, emphasized the importance of technological integration and visibility of the SON logo on all products and services in Nigeria. He underscored SON’s role in ensuring that Nigerian manufacturers meet global standards, enabling them to expand into international markets, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Okeke announced a six-month transition period for existing MANCAP-certified manufacturers to adopt the new logo, while new applicants must implement it immediately. The rebranded logo, he noted, symbolizes quality, trust, and global compliance, reinforcing the credibility of Nigerian products.
Industry Response & Call for Dialogue
Speaking at the event, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director General of MAN, acknowledged the value of the rebranded logo but called for extended dialogue and a phased implementation strategy to ensure smooth adoption by manufacturers. He emphasized that while the visual change may appear minimal, its implications on branding, regulatory compliance, and production processes necessitate further stakeholder engagements.
Dr. Jide Johnson, Director of Special Programmes at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, further contextualized the discussion with a presentation on The Nexus Between Standardization, Quality Assurance, and Branding. He highlighted how product branding, coupled with strong regulatory backing, enhances consumer confidence, market positioning, and export readiness.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the rebranded MANCAP logo, jointly performed by SON’s Dr. Okeke and MAN’s Ajayi-Kadir. The moment sparked excitement among stakeholders, signifying a renewed drive for product standardization and economic growth.
Following the unveiling, Engr. Enebi Onuchenyo, Director, Product Certification Department at SON, delivered a presentation on SON Certification Services and Their Impact on National Development. He detailed the role of SON in boosting local industries, facilitating trade, and enhancing investor confidence through its various certification schemes, including:
- MANCAP – Ensuring locally manufactured products conform to Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
- SONCAP – Regulating the quality of imported goods.
- SEZCAP & SONEXCAP – Facilitating compliance within Special Economic Zones and export markets.
- Product Registration & PAM – Enhancing traceability and consumer verification.
SON’s Role in Economic Development
SON’s certification framework plays a pivotal role in job creation, industrial growth, and economic diversification. By eliminating substandard products from the market, SON fosters consumer confidence, strengthens Nigeria’s non-oil sector, and supports businesses in achieving international recognition and trade facilitation.
As Nigeria moves toward greater economic self-reliance, stakeholders at the forum agreed that standardization remains key to driving industrial innovation and sustaining economic growth. The successful launch of the rebranded MANCAP logo marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s quality assurance landscape, ensuring that “Made-in-Nigeria” products meet both domestic and global standards.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with a resounding commitment from stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening compliance frameworks, ensuring seamless implementation of the new MANCAP logo, and positioning Nigeria as a formidable player in international trade.
With the rebranded MANCAP initiative, SON is not just certifying products—it is building a future where Nigerian-made goods stand tall in global markets.
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