SON: New Certified Products List Nigeria Now Online

• The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged consumers to verify product certification marks to avoid substandard goods.
• SON announced the availability of a "SON certified products list Nigeria" for MANCAP-approved items on its official website.
• Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, SON Director-General, made this announcement during the CANEX WKND 2026 event in Lagos.
• SON's public engagement aims to educate consumers and businesses on "Standards Organisation of Nigeria certification" programs like NIS, MANCAP, and SONCAP.
• The initiative aligns with President Tinubu's administration's vision to promote local production and ensure Nigerian products meet international standards for global competitiveness.

He emphasized that this move not only simplifies the process for consumers to locate and purchase quality items but also places the power of choice firmly in their hands.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has recently intensified its public awareness efforts, urging Nigerian consumers to meticulously verify product certification marks before making purchases. This directive aims to shield the public from the proliferation of substandard and counterfeit goods within the market. A significant step in this initiative involves the public availability of a "SON certified products list Nigeria", specifically detailing items approved under its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).

This crucial development was unveiled by Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of SON, during the ongoing CANEX WKND 2026 (Creative Africa Nexus Weekend) held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos. Dr. Okeke confirmed that the comprehensive list of "MANCAP certified products Nigeria" has been uploaded to the organization's official website. The primary goal of this online resource is to empower consumers, enabling them to easily identify and acquire quality goods that are manufactured domestically.

According to the "Ifeanyi Okeke SON Director-General", this digital publication is designed to facilitate informed purchasing decisions by providing a clear mechanism for verifying certified products. He emphasized that this move not only simplifies the process for consumers to locate and purchase quality items but also places the power of choice firmly in their hands. Furthermore, the initiative serves to commend manufacturers who diligently adhere to established "Nigerian industrial standards compliance", thereby fostering a culture of quality production. The public is actively encouraged to consult the SON website for certified products and to report any items displaying suspicious or fraudulent certification marks.

SON's engagement at the CANEX WKND 2026 extended beyond the announcement of the certified product list, serving as a direct outreach platform for its quality assurance message. A team of officials, led by Dr. Okeke, actively interacted with manufacturers, small business owners, and consumers present at the expo. The organization's presence was strategically aimed at connecting with businesses directly, particularly those in the creative and small enterprise sectors, many of whom produce excellent goods but lack knowledge regarding the "Standards Organisation of Nigeria certification" process.

At their exhibition stand, SON representatives provided detailed explanations of various certification schemes, including the overarching Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS). Specific focus was given to the "MANCAP certified products Nigeria" program, which is tailored for locally produced goods, and the "SONCAP imported products Nigeria" program, applicable to items brought into the country. Visitors received practical guidance on distinguishing substandard from genuine products, verifying authentic SON marks, and the proper channels for reporting suspicious merchandise.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were also offered comprehensive advice on navigating the certification journey. This included information on application procedures, the necessary product testing protocols, and the final approval stages. Dr. Okeke highlighted that achieving certification is a critical step for businesses, as it "opens doors to bigger markets, here at home and across Africa, and it protects the consumer," underscoring the dual benefit of market access and consumer trust.

The extensive public awareness campaign undertaken by SON, including its participation in key events like CANEX WKND, is intrinsically linked to the broader economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. This strategic alignment supports governmental efforts to significantly promote and bolster local production across Nigeria. SON's involvement in the expo, therefore, forms a vital part of its commitment to cultivating quality consciousness throughout the nation, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities, and safeguarding consumers from the adverse effects of substandard goods.

A core tenet emphasized by the organization is the imperative for Nigerian-made products to achieve and maintain international standards. This is deemed essential for these goods to effectively compete in global markets, aligning with the Federal Government's "Nigeria First" policy. By ensuring "Nigerian industrial standards compliance", SON aims to elevate the quality perception of local products, thereby enhancing their export potential and contributing to national economic growth. This proactive stance underscores the critical role of robust certification and quality assurance in achieving both domestic market integrity and international trade success.

Lawyers advising manufacturers or importers in Nigeria should note SON's increased public awareness campaign and the availability of a certified product list. This development emphasizes the need for clients to ensure strict compliance with NIS, MANCAP, and SONCAP to avoid regulatory penalties and consumer complaints, and to leverage certification for market access.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers