Photo caption: SON logo
By Charles Okonji
In an intensified effort in driving the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged stakeholders to adhere to standards in leather and textile sector, which has the potential to enable them leverage into the lucrative global market valued at over $1 trillion.
Desperate in achieving the above intentions, SON started working closely with manufacturers, suppliers, and other regulatory bodies to ensure the Nigerian leather and textile products meet international standards.
It is imperative to note that this development is as a result of SON’s strategic efforts to promote standardization and quality assurance in the leather and textile industry.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, made this known in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, at a stakeholders sensitisation/capacity building workshop, organised, by SON, to enlighten artisans and other manufacturers on the need to standardise their products.
Okeke noted that SON has been working closely with stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure that Nigerian leather and textile products meet international standards.
The DG, who was represented at the forum, by Chukwuma Aharanwa, director, South-East Regional Operations of SON, stated that in recognition of MSMEs, as drivers of the nation’s economy that SON has put in place a policy that ensures MSMEs and other relevant stakeholders are involved in standards development process, through inclusion in technical committees (TC).
According to him, “SON’s intervention has led to a significant improvement in the quality of leather products in Nigeria. Local manufacturers are now producing high-quality leather goods, such as shoes, belts, and handbags that can compete favourably with international brands.”
The SON boss said, “Repositioning of the sector is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy. The sector is projected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and generate significant revenue for the government.
“Nigeria has the potential to become a major player in the global leather industry. With the right standards and quality assurance in place, our local manufacturers can produce high-quality leather products that can compete with the best in the world.”
He stressed that successful repositioning of the leather sector is a testament to SON’s commitment to promoting standardization and quality assurance in Nigeria.
“This can be achieved through creating the framework that can make made in Nigeria product to compete favourably. We decided to rain them on anti-trade barrier, Standardisation and quality assurance, accessibility to standard.
“One of the key elements to trade is standards, it’s a global common language so our product must meet standards to boost export and reduce rejection at the international market,” Okeke averred.
He pointed out that organization’s efforts are expected to have a positive impact on other sectors of the economy, as well.
He emphasised that the essence of the recognition, is to create an enabling environment for the sector to be part of the standardisation process, so that products emanating from their system, would meet global standard.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Stella Chamberlain, head of department, Marketing, SON, observed that Aba is notable for trade and industry, which have thrived over the years, adding that for operators to remain relevant that they must produce quality and competitive products for consumers at all times.
She said the workshop was put together to provide more information on the benefits of standardisation to businesses, while exposing stakeholders on ways of consistently achieving standards to sustain their businesses.
Some stakeholders complained about the poor quality of leather in the market, while others appreciated the lecture, which highlighted the importance of avoiding banned chemicals in the production process.
On his part, Hon Nwaobilo Obinna, President, Leather Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (LEPMAAS) opined their determination to increase exports to the international market.
He encouraged the federal, state, and local governments to support the industry by patronizing their products.
He called for a unified system, where stakeholders meeting with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) would be held regularly.
“This development is significant, considering the huge potential of the leather and shoe industry in Nigeria,” he said.
Prince Obasi Uba, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Abia/Owerri Chapter said, with the right support and standards in place, the industry can compete favorably in the global market, creating jobs and generating revenue for the country.
He urged the federal government to pay attention to the concerns of local industries, particularly the leather and shoe sector, and address their concerns.
“Most of the stakeholders in the sector can help reduce the influx of foreign goods, conserve the country’s foreign exchange, and ultimately save the naira from further devaluation.”
Mrs Pebisn Arumemi, Head of Department, MSMEs, SON, took time to educate the participant on hoe to adhere to standards and boost trade.
Other expert thought the stakeholders on banned items, code and processing among others.
