New Standards Organisation of Nigeria Office Complex in Sokoto State
The newly inaugurated Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) office complex in Sokoto State is set to bring significant changes to industrial operations and consumer protection across the North-West region, according to government officials. The facility was officially opened on Wednesday by the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Muhammad Idris Gobir, on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
According to reports, the new office is expected to decentralise SON’s activities, expand access to certification services, and enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers. Governor Aliyu described the office as a critical investment that will “spur industrialisation, encourage entrepreneurship, and safeguard the health and safety of Nigerians.” He further emphasized that “this project is not just about a building—it is about empowering our business community and protecting consumers.”
He added, “With this facility, local producers can now meet global standards without having to go to Lagos or Abuja.” The governor also highlighted that the development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to diversify the economy and promote manufacturing as a key driver of growth and employment.
Strategic Expansion for Quality Assurance
The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, stated that the Sokoto office marks a strategic milestone in the agency’s nationwide expansion to bring quality assurance closer to the grassroots. He noted that “for too long, manufacturers and importers from this region have had to endure the burden of distance,” but now, with this permanent presence, the agency can offer faster certification, better technical support, and stronger monitoring to protect both producers and consumers.
Dr. Okeke also revealed that SON is completing what will be Africa’s largest standardisation laboratory in Lagos. This initiative aims to boost the nation’s capacity for product testing and compliance verification.
Boosting Confidence and Investment
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh Owan, said the Sokoto office would not only promote quality assurance but also attract investment by building confidence in Nigerian-made products. He emphasized that “industrialisation cannot thrive without trust.” By enforcing standards and supporting local industries, SON is laying the groundwork for job creation and economic resilience.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Aminu Bala Sokoto, praised SON’s commitment to consumer protection, calling the new complex a “welcome development that will enhance trade, safety, and transparency.”
In addition, the Customs Area Controller, Aliyu Isa Ndako, said the project would promote compliance with international best practices and ease of doing business in the region.
Government Support for Industrial Growth
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Umar Bala, reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to support SON’s expansion drive. He stated that it was essential to achieving sustainable industrial growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including government officials, industry stakeholders, and traditional leaders. All of them described the project as a game changer for industrial development and consumer confidence in the North-West.