SON Opens New Office in Sokoto to Boost Standards, Support Local Industries

The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Sokoto Office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), marking a significant step in expanding access to quality infrastructure, bolstering industrial development, and streamlining business operations nationwide.

During the commissioning ceremony, Senator John Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted the importance of decentralizing SON’s activities to bring essential regulatory services directly to Sokoto and the broader North-West region.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to making quality infrastructure accessible across Nigeria,” Enoh stated. “Establishing this office is part of our vision to decentralize services, support local enterprises, and protect consumers. It demonstrates that standardization is not just a policy but a practical tool for economic growth.”

He emphasized that the Sokoto office will particularly aid industries where the state has comparative advantages, such as agriculture, leather processing, solid minerals, textiles, and food production. These sectors possess vast potential for value addition, employment generation, and export diversification, and SON’s presence is expected to unlock this potential.

The Minister commended SON’s leadership for modernizing its operations through technological innovation and stakeholder engagement. He called on government, private sector players, and development partners to collaborate with SON in ensuring local products meet international standards, thereby enhancing competitiveness and market access.

“This office symbolizes our ongoing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s industrial base and promote a reputation for quality in goods and services,” he added. “It is a testament to our shared partnership among government, business, and consumers, built on standards, quality, and shared prosperity.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Sokoto’s strategic economic role given its rich resources in agriculture, minerals, and commerce. He assured that SON’s presence would support local producers and exporters in meeting standards necessary for market access and trade.

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to effective and responsive agency operations, aligned with the goals of the Renewed Hope Industrialization Agenda, and praised SON’s efforts to extend its reach nationwide.

The Director General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the new office as a vital infrastructure investment designed to enhance product certification, inspection, testing, and stakeholder engagement across Sokoto and neighboring states.

He explained that the facility would house technical and administrative teams responsible for ensuring compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards and serve as a training hub for small and medium enterprises seeking growth opportunities.

“Manufacturers in Sokoto will benefit from faster certification processes, improved laboratory services, and technical support, reducing the need for long-distance travel,” Okeke said. “This presence will also strengthen quality assurance in key sectors such as agriculture, minerals, and building materials, bolstering export readiness and attracting investment.”

He highlighted ongoing collaborations with border agencies to combat substandard imports and ensure conformity assessment, aligning with the Nigeria First Policy to promote locally produced goods that meet high standards for consumer confidence and competitiveness.

“SON’s success is rooted in its dedicated staff and strategic leadership,” he added. “We look forward to working closely with the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders to ensure standards serve as catalysts for safety, quality, and economic prosperity.”