• The Federal Government pledges stronger action against substandard goods in Nigeria
• SON says improved metrology systems will enhance industrial growth and consumer confidence
• The government seeks alignment with international measurement standards to improve export competitiveness

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to strengthen standardisation, quality assurance and metrology systems as part of broader efforts to stimulate industrial growth, protect consumers and boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian-made products.

The commitment was made during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in Abuja.

In a statement released on Thursday, May 21, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, described accurate measurement systems and standardisation as essential pillars for economic growth, industrial efficiency and consumer trust.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of the North-West Zonal Office, Labaran Mohammed, the minister said the government had intensified efforts to combat substandard goods through stricter regulations, improved testing infrastructure and the digitalisation of operational processes.

“Standardisation and metrology are powerful tools for improving productivity, reducing waste and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products,” she said.

Oduwole added that the Federal Government had strengthened the operations of SON through additional offices, upgraded laboratories and enhanced enforcement mechanisms aimed at improving product quality nationwide.

She noted that the National Metrology Institute and regional laboratories located in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt continue to provide calibration, testing and quality assurance services that support industries across the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, stressed that reliable measurement systems are critical for transparent governance, industrialisation and sustainable development.

Represented by the ministry’s Director of Weights and Measures, Salim Mohammed, Enoh stated that accurate measurements form the foundation for credible data, evidence-based policymaking and public confidence in institutions.

“Where measurement systems are strong, governance becomes more transparent, accountable and result-oriented,” he said.

According to him, sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, trade, energy and environmental management depend heavily on precise measurements to ensure safety, quality assurance and economic growth.

The Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Okeke, said metrology, the science of measurement, remains central to industrial production, healthcare services, environmental sustainability and international trade.

“In this rapidly evolving world, governments, industries and consumers rely on trusted measurement systems to make informed decisions, protect public interest and support national development,” Okeke said.

He warned that without accurate measurements, industries would struggle to maintain quality standards, consumers would lose confidence in products and businesses would face difficulties competing globally.

Okeke revealed that SON has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s measurement systems through investments in laboratories, calibration services and quality assurance infrastructure, while also expanding testing and calibration services across the country.

He further stressed the importance of aligning Nigeria’s measurement framework with international standards to improve acceptance of locally manufactured products in global markets.

The Chairman of the Standards Council of SON, Yahuza Inuwa, represented by council member Adeyemi Adebayo, said this year’s theme, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policymaking,” highlights the role of accurate measurements in governance and economic planning.

“Policies are only as reliable as the data and measurements upon which they are based,” he stated.

Representatives from the petroleum, manufacturing and meteorological sectors also underscored the importance of precise measurements in improving accountability, product quality and service delivery.

A representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Jerry Ainoko, described metrology as crucial to transparency and accountability in the oil and gas industry, especially in custody transfer, environmental monitoring and revenue tracking.

Similarly, the representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Adeyemi Folorunso, said accurate measurements and standards would help Nigerian manufacturers compete effectively under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Charles Anosike, represented by Usman Abdulrahman, also highlighted the importance of precise measurements in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

Meanwhile, calibration service providers raised concerns over inadequate measurement standards and limited calibration infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the providers, Johnson Friday of Solid Genon Services International Ltd. said many industries still lacked sufficient understanding of calibration and traceability systems.

“We need more primary standards in Nigeria so that industries will not continue depending on foreign facilities for calibration services,” he said.

World Metrology Day is celebrated annually to promote awareness about the importance of measurement science in governance, trade, industry and everyday life.

FCCPC raises alarm over surge in substandard goods in Nigeria

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had expressed serious concern about the growing presence of unsafe, counterfeit, and substandard products in Nigerian markets.

The Commission stressed that declining product standards are not just a consumer issue but an economic one, as unsafe goods reduce market efficiency.

FCCPC warned that the immediate impact of these failures is increased exposure of consumers to dangerous products.