ON Seeks Media Collaboration For Jobs Creation, SMEs Growth

The director general of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, has advocated stronger collaboration with the media to enhance job creation and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Reiterating his plan for the growth and development of SMEs, Okeke pointed out that the planned industrialisation and the creation of jobs would be a mirage without sustainable SMEs.

Speaking at the just-concluded one-day workshop for journalists organised by SON in its Laboratory station, Ikeja, Okeke, who was represented by the Regulatory Agency’s director of Corporate Affairs, Talatu Ethan, also noted that standardisation is unique in pursuing, achieving, and sustaining industrialisation and global relevance in competitiveness, with the involvement of SMEs.

“As Standardisation is the currency of global relevance, journalists are needed to help sensitise manufacturers and consumers. We want participants to assist in sensitising SMEs. We need media practitioners across Nigeria to champion the cause of national standards in the country actively. Understanding these principles is essential for Nigeria to harness the full potential and reap the extensive benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

“The successful implementation of this policy not only enhances consumer confidence in homegrown products, promotes SMEs, but fortifies Nigeria’s position in the increasingly competitive landscape of international trade. Local manufacturers, businesses, and indeed Nigerians generally recognise the importance of compliance with the NIS and the need to have our Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme [MANCAP] and other product certification schemes. Courting journalists is key in achieving the planned SMEs and industrialisation,” Okeke pointed out.

Okeke said the workshop, which was targeted at empowering participants with the right information about standardisation, product quality assurance, and regulatory framework—all of which, he stressed, are essential in promoting SMEs—was informed by his understanding of the role of media in nation building, including lifting up the SMEs.