Breaking: SON Introduces New Export Certification Scheme to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Trade Competitiveness

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has launched a new certification framework known as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Export Certification Programme (SONEXCAP), designed to enhance the quality, acceptance, and competitiveness of Nigerian-made products in international markets.

Speaking during the official unveiling, the Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the initiative as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as a credible player in the global trade arena. He said the scheme would not only improve product quality but also simplify export certification processes for manufacturers and small-scale businesses.

According to Okeke, SONEXCAP will serve as a benchmark for quality assurance, ensuring that goods produced in Nigeria meet international standards required for export. “When a product carries the SON mark under SONEXCAP, it communicates to the global market that Nigeria is ready and capable of delivering quality,” he stated.

The SON boss further explained that the program aims to support the federal government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports, noting that it will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment growth.

He emphasized that the scheme will also support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement by improving the competitiveness of Nigerian goods across African markets.

In his remarks, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, commended SON for the timely initiative, describing it as a major boost for the manufacturing sector. He urged producers and exporters to embrace the SONEXCAP program to ensure their goods can compete favorably with foreign products.

Industry experts also hailed the initiative as a step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependency on imports and improving the nation’s balance of trade. The scheme is expected to promote local production, create jobs, and increase export earnings by ensuring that only products that meet global standards bear the SON certification.

With the introduction of SONEXCAP, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality, strengthening industrial growth, and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in global commerce.