Akaiso Akaiso, Uyo
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Akwa Ibom State Office, has invited the general public to its 2nd Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate presentation ceremony in the state.
The invitation was contained in an interview by our correspondent with the State Coordinator and Assistant Director of SON in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Tarnongo Terungwa Samuel, in Uyo on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the event is scheduled to hold on the first week of November 2026, at the SON State Office, Udo Udoma Industrial Layout, Uyo, by 10am prompt, you can access through the First Bank Nigeria Plc/Passion FM radio road.
The SON boss said the ceremony will feature the presentation of MANCAP certificates to indigenous manufacturers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who have met the required Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
Mr. Samuel explained that MANCAP is a mandatory product certification scheme put in place by SON to ensure that all locally manufactured products conform to relevant NIS before they are presented for sale in the market.
He said the scheme was introduced in 2006 to combat the menace of substandard products, promote competitiveness of made-in-Nigeria goods and protect consumers from unwholesome products.
According to him, the 2nd edition in Akwa Ibom is significant as it demonstrates growing compliance by local manufacturers to standards despite economic challenges.
“We have seen encouraging improvement in quality consciousness among our local manufacturers in Akwa Ibom. This 2nd MANCAP presentation is proof that our MSMEs are ready for the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Samuel stated.
He disclosed that over 20 companies drawn from food, water, bread, aluminum, blocks, and chemical sectors will receive their certificates at the event.
The State Coordinator said SON in Akwa Ibom in the last one year has intensified sensitization, factory inspections, laboratory testing and guidance to help local industries meet standards.
He noted that the organisation does not exist to shut down businesses, but to help them grow and compete globally.
“Our mandate is to promote standardisation. We work with you, test with you and guide you to pass. Certification is not punishment; it is promotion for your business,” he added.
Mr. Samuel said the event will also be used to sensitize the public on how to identify standard products through the MANCAP logo, SONCAP and product expiry dates.
He warned consumers to always look out for the MANCAP number on locally made products, adding that any product without it should be reported to SON.
The SON State boss commended the Director General/Chief Executive SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, FCA, for his commitment to MSME growth and swift certification and revalidation decisions.
He said under the current leadership, the certification process has been made faster, cheaper and more transparent through an online platform.
The invitation, according to him, is extended to the state government, security agencies, regulatory bodies like NAFDAC, FCCPC, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, market associations, the press and the general public.
He said top government officials, including the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, and traditional rulers are expected to grace the occasion.
Mr. Samuel stressed that standardisation is key to the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno which emphasizes industrialisation and import substitution.
“When our local products meet standard, Akwa Ibom money stays in Akwa Ibom, jobs are created and the health of our people is protected,” he said.
He urged manufacturers who are yet to enroll for MANCAP to first register their companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and visit the SON office at the above-mentioned address for free guidance and testing procedures.
The State Coordinator assured that SON will continue to clamp down on substandard products in the market, but will give priority to supporting local producers to do the right thing.
He added that the 2nd MANCAP presentation will also feature an exhibition of certified made-in-Akwa Ibom products and will be chaired by the SON South – South Regional Director, Mrs Esther Okon fsi
Mr. Samuel therefore called on all invited guests to be punctual, stressing that the event will start at 10am without African time.
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