By Lucy Ogalue
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to empowering consumers through enhanced standardisation practices, ensuring access to safe and quality goods and services.
Dr Doris Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its tireless efforts in consumer protection at the African Day of Standardisation celebration in Abuja on Tuesday,
Anite, represented by Permanent Secretary Amb. Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of adopting and enforcing standards to safeguard consumer rights across Africa.
“As we mark the 11th day of standardising, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering consumers through effective standardisation strategies and foster a culture of quality consciousness.
“Africa, the world’s fastest-growing consumer market, is projected to see its consumer base rise from 1.2 billion to 1.7 billion by 2030, with consumer expenditure expected to grow from 1.4 trillion dollars in 2015 to 2.5 trillion dollars by 2030.
“However, the continent faces challenges such as misleading advertisements, unsafe products, and inadequate information, impacting consumer safety and confidence,” she stated.
She explained that the Nigerian government had implemented policies and programmes to establish an enabling environment for consumers, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s global agenda.
“These initiatives have streamlined bureaucratic processes, eliminated bottlenecks, and improved consumer welfare and awareness.
According to Anite, standardisation plays a vital role in ensuring products and services meet international quality benchmarks, fostering consumer trust, and promoting market access.
“It also drives innovation by providing frameworks for advanced technologies and best practices.”
SON’s Director-General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for consumers, promoting their rights to safe quality goods and services through standardisation.
“Nigeria remains a major player in commerce and trade across the African continent, providing the much-needed standardisation platform for manufacturers and consumers alike.
“By working together, Nigeria can mitigate the adverse effects of trade imbalances and ensure consumers have access to quality goods and services, “Okeke stated.
The News Agency of Nogeria (NAN) reports that the event attended by heads of government parastatals, agencies, and stakeholders, underscored the importance of collaboration in maintaining standardisation in the country. (NAN)