The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled a new Digital Standards Platform that provides businesses, manufacturers, and researchers with faster, cheaper access to industrial standards and compliance services entirely online. The platform offers discounts of up to 35% on internationally recognised standards, significantly reducing compliance costs for Nigerian enterprises.
Platform Launch in Abuja
The federal government launched the Digital Standards Platform over the weekend in Abuja. The event was attended by SON Director-General Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke and the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh. Through a single online portal, users can now search Nigerian Industrial Standards, verify certified products and manufacturers, and access conformity assessment services without visiting any SON office.
What the Platform Offers
Dr Okeke stated that the agency built the platform in direct response to the difficulties businesses faced when accessing standards and compliance information. According to a Punch report, he said: "From today, Nigerian Industrial Standards, compliance tools, conformity assessment services and standards-related resources are available digitally, searchable, accessible and verifiable, without the barriers of distance, queues or paperwork."
A key feature of the platform is discounted access to internationally recognised standards. Through SON's subscription and copyright licensing agreements with global standards organisations, users can access selected international standards at discounts of up to 35%. This reduces the financial burden that previously hindered smaller manufacturers and research institutions.
Impact on Nigerian Industries
Dr Okeke noted that lower-cost access to global standards would help Nigerian industries raise product quality, encourage innovation, and compete more effectively in regional and international markets. He added that the regulatory environment must keep pace with changes in technology and industry to properly support economic development.
Government's Broader Digital Governance Push
Senator John Enoh described the launch as a major step in Nigeria's industrialisation drive. He pointed to its alignment with the Federal Government's wider agenda to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen regulatory efficiency through technology, as reported by Leadership. The platform brings together four key services under one digital gateway: the catalogue of Nigerian Industrial Standards, a certified products directory, a verified manufacturers register, and conformity assessment services.
Background: SON's Fight Against Fake Products
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that SON launched a technology initiative to combat the influx of fake and counterfeit products into the Nigerian market. The move followed the alarming rise of counterfeit and low-quality products, which have caused economic losses and posed significant threats to consumer well-being. According to former SON Director-General Malam Farouk Salim, the technology, known as Product Authentication Mark (PAM), ensures that all imported and manufactured products meet relevant standards.
