The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken a significant step toward bolstering the nation’s quality infrastructure through a deepened partnership with the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria (MSN). The two organisations are set to co-host the 18th Annual Conference and Workshop themed “Mycotoxins in a Changing World: Risks, Management, and Innovations (SON 2025),” scheduled to gather local and international experts to address one of the most persistent threats to Nigeria’s agricultural value chain—mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins, which are naturally occurring toxic substances produced by certain fungi, continue to undermine food safety, public health, industrial output, and Nigeria’s access to global export markets. Commodities such as grains, nuts, spices, and animal feed are particularly susceptible, making effective control measures critical to agricultural sustainability and trade competitiveness.
For Nigeria, where agriculture remains a key contributor to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings, the economic consequences of mycotoxin contamination are far-reaching. Producers lose revenue, exporters face rejection in international markets, and consumers are exposed to health risks. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust, science-driven standards, accurate measurement systems, and harmonized regulatory frameworks.
In line with this national imperative, SON has strengthened its interventions through the development and review of relevant standards, expansion of laboratory testing capabilities, and reinforcement of conformity assessment services. These efforts are complemented by ongoing capacity-building programmes deployed across the country to help farmers, processors, aggregators, and MSMEs meet both domestic and international quality benchmarks.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 conference, the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, emphasized the critical role of standardization in addressing Nigeria’s mycotoxin challenges. He explained that without clear scientific references and reliable analytical systems, industries and regulators cannot effectively control contamination or guarantee product quality.
“Standardization is central to mitigating the risks posed by mycotoxins. It provides the technical clarity, scientific benchmarks, and measurement accuracy required across agricultural and industrial value chains,” Dr. Okeke said. “Our collaboration with the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria is part of our commitment to building a research-driven standards ecosystem that aligns with international best practices and strengthens Nigeria’s competitiveness.”
Dr. Okeke added that the conference will provide a unique platform for stakeholders—including researchers, academics, technical experts, industry leaders, and regulatory agencies—to share emerging insights, address gaps, advance innovations, and integrate scientific knowledge into the national standardization process. Such collaborations, he noted, are essential for driving innovation and building stronger, more resilient quality systems that support Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
The SON 2025 conference will feature high-level presentations, technical sessions, policy dialogues, and knowledge-sharing engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria’s response to mycotoxin risks. Participants will explore cutting-edge research, new technologies, and practical interventions that can enhance food safety, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and boost consumer confidence.
SON reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s national quality infrastructure through science-based standards development, improved laboratory competence, enhanced conformity assessment services, and deeper collaboration with stakeholders across the research, regulatory, academic, and industrial communities.
As Nigeria pushes to expand market access, boost productivity, and grow its non-oil exports, the Organisation insists that strong, research-backed standards are indispensable to securing a safer, more competitive, and globally trusted economy.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria are partnering to host the 18th Annual Mycotoxin Conference, strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure through research-driven standards, advanced laboratory systems, and enhanced conformity assessment to boost agricultural competitiveness and consumer safety.
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