SON Demands Strong Quality Systems For Economic Survival

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called for the strengthening of quality systems across the country, warning that weak measurement and standards infrastructure could undermine economic stability and industrial competitiveness.

The director-general/chief executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, made the call at the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration in Abuja.

Okeke said accurate measurement systems remain central to policymaking, industrial growth, and national development, noting that modern governance depends on reliable data and verifiable standards.

He said the theme of the year, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making,” reflects the critical role of measurement in shaping effective decisions across sectors.

“Governments, industries, regulators, and consumers all require trustworthy measurement systems to make informed decisions that impact lives, businesses, and national development,” he said.

Okeke explained that World Metrology Day commemorates the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, which established global cooperation in measurement science.

He said metrology remains essential to industrial development, international trade, consumer protection, healthcare delivery, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

According to him, measurements influence key aspects of daily life, including fuel dispensing, medical diagnostics, food and drug safety, industrial production, and environmental monitoring.

“Without confidence in measurements, public trust in systems and institutions can be weakened,” he warned.

The SON boss said metrology lies at the heart of the agency’s mandate through calibration, testing, inspection, and standards development aimed at ensuring accuracy, traceability, and compliance.

He stressed that Nigeria’s industrialisation drive under the “Nigeria First” policy requires strict adherence to international standards to remain competitive globally.

“Accurate measurement is a strategic economic tool that supports innovation, facilitates trade, enhances consumer confidence, and attracts investment,” he said.

Okeke urged stronger collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, academia, laboratories, development partners, and consumers to improve Nigeria’s metrology capacity.

He also called on businesses to invest in calibration systems and quality control mechanisms, saying such investments are essential for productivity, waste reduction, and competitiveness.

Also speaking, the chairman of the SON Standards Council, Hon. Yahuza Ado Inuwa, said metrology remains central to building trust in governance and economic policy.

He said the Council is committed to strengthening SON’s mandate through policy direction, oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

Inuwa stressed that policy outcomes must be measurable and grounded in reliable data across critical sectors of the economy.

He reaffirmed the Council’s support for investments in laboratories, technical infrastructure, and human capacity development.

He commended SON management for its role in advancing the federal government’s industrial transformation agenda.

Inuwa called for stronger collaboration across sectors to build a culture of quality, standards, and accountability in Nigeria.

“Together, we can build systems that inspire confidence, support innovation, enhance productivity, and position Nigeria for sustainable economic growth,” he said.