COTECNA is one of the Internationally accredited firms
involved in conformity assessment of imported raw materials, machinery and
finished products.
The director general, Standards Organisation of Nigeria
(SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, in his welcome address at a One – Day Sensitisation
Programme on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment
Programme (SONCAP), organised by the duo in Calabar, Cross Rivers State
recently, called on Nigerian manufacturers and importers to see SONCAP as a
veritable tool for regulating importation of quality goods into the country.
Represented by the director,
South South Operations, Mr. Usman
Mohammed, SON’s chief executive enjoined stakeholders in the state to adhere to
the requirements of the SONCAP to facilitate their trade, ensure delivery of
quality goods to Nigerians and enhance economic growth.
Speaking on the
theme: ‘SONCAP: Facilitating Quality Imports into Nigeria for Economic
Development,’ the SON DG, stressed that the forum was to educate stakeholders
on the significance of the SONCAP scheme to trade facilitation, discuss
challenges and proffer workable solutions.
According to him, the occasion also serves as a feedback
mechanism for SON and COTECNA, to make regulatory interventions for the benefit
of Consumers and the Nation’s Economy emancipation.
He expressed appreciation to the Cross River State
government and the people for the existing cordial relationship and support to
SON since its inception in the State.
The Cross River State commissioner for Commerce, Mrs.
Abigail Duke advocated for an aggressive
drive towards export of Nigeria’s Agro and Allied Products particularly from
the State.
According to Duke, the Cross River State government is
prepared to work in closer collaboration with SON and COTECNA to facilitate
export of Agro Allied Products globally. She requested that an office of
COTECNA be opened in Calabar to assist importers and prospective exporters from
Cross River State in that regard.
Duke reiterated that Cross River State would continue to
promote mutually beneficial relationships with SON, including guidance to
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) on achieving maximum benefit from
the SONCAP and other schemes put in place by the organisation.
The commissioner then admonished participants at the
sensitisation programme to cooperate with SON and COTECNA in facilitating
quality imports, particularly of raw materials and machinery.
In his address, COTECNA Country manager, Mr. Ade Adediran
enumerated the organisation’s value added services in the SONCAP scheme,
explaining that his Organisation has had partnership with SON on the scheme for
over a decade.
He stated that COTECNA has been in Nigeria since 1984,
adding that it has the capacity to facilitate quality import as well as export
out of Nigeria.
Highlights of the forum was the presentation of papers on
“SONCAP” by director, Product Certification, Mr. Tersoo Orngudwem; “Standards
Compliance and Enforcement” by Engr. Mamza Irmiya, who represented the
director, Inspection and Compliance Department (ICD).
The director, Marketing, Engr.Felix Nyado made a
presentation on ”SON Product Offerings” while
Engr. Ninma Apim, Cross Rivers State Coordinator spoke on “Activities of
SON State Offices.”
The presentations were followed by an interactive session with key stakeholders
from all sectors of the Economy who participated actively.