Fidelia Okafor
The Federal Government has commissioned the Sokoto Office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), marking another milestone in efforts to expand access to quality infrastructure, strengthen industrial development, and promote the ease of doing business across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning of SON Sokoto office, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, described the commissioning as a significant step toward decentralizing SON’s operations and bringing essential regulatory services closer to the people of Sokoto and the wider North-West region.
“This event marks another milestone in our Ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand access to quality infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business across the nation.
“The establishment of this office reflects our collective vision to decentralize services and strengthen institutional presence in every part of Nigeria.
“By bringing SON closer to the people of Sokoto and the North-West, we are making standardization not just a policy concept, but a practical tool for local enterprise growth and consumer protection.
“The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment recognizes the critical role of SON in achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Industrialization Agenda.
“Through its work in product certification, conformity assessment, and sensitization, SON provides the framework that ensures Nigerian products are safe, competitive, and globally acceptable,” he said.
According to the Minister, the Sokoto office will particularly support industries where the state has comparative advantage, agriculture, leather processing, solid minerals, textiles, and food production.
He added that these sectors hold enormous potential for value addition, job creation, and export diversification, and SON’s presence here will help unlock that potential.
“I must commend the Director General and his Management Team for their commitment to expanding SON’s reach and modernizing its operations.
“This forward-thinking approach, anchored on technology, collaboration, and continuous stakeholder engagement, reflects the spirit of innovation that our Ministry encourages across all its agencies
“To our partners in the state government, the private sector, and development agencies, I invite you to collaborate closely with SON to ensure that Sokoto’s products can compete confidently in both domestic and international markets. Standards are not barriers; they are pathways to competitiveness, innovation, and trust,” he stated.
He pointed out that the commissioning of the office is a testament to the Ministry’s continued drive to deepen industrial development and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a producer of quality goods and services.
“As we formally open this office today, let it serve as a symbol of renewed partnership between government, business, and consumers, a partnership built on standards, quality, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador, Nura Abba Rimi, said the commissioning represents another important stride in the nation’s collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure and bring essential services closer to the people.
He said the establishment of the office underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building a strong, diversified, and competitive economy, maintaining that through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Ministry continues to promote standardization, quality assurance, and consumer protection as key enablers of sustainable industrial growth.
“Sokoto holds a strategic position in the country’s economic landscape, rich in agriculture, solid minerals, leather, and commerce.
“The presence of SON here will not only enhance regulatory oversight but also support local producers, MSMEs, and exporters in meeting the standards required for market access and trade competitiveness.
“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is determined to ensure that all its agencies operate with greater efficiency and responsiveness.
“Our focus remains on policy coherence, institutional collaboration, and measurable outcomes that align with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Industrialization Agenda.
“I commend the Director General and Management of SON for their continued drive to extend the organization’s reach across the country.
“These initiatives reflect the Ministry’s reform vision for improved service delivery, transparency, and stakeholder engagement in all sectors,” he said.
He noted that the true success of the office will be measured by the value it brings to businesses, consumers, and the economy at large while also acknowledging the support of the Sokoto State Government, the private sector, and development partners whose collaboration continues to strengthen the impact of our collective efforts.
“Standards are essential for growth,they inspire confidence, facilitate trade, and ensure that Nigerian products are respected globally.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, I congratulate the Director General, Management, and Staff of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria on this milestone. I am confident that this new office will contribute significantly to the realization of our national industrial goals.
“As we commission this facility today, let it serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to promote quality in production, safety in consumption, and excellence in service. Together, we can build a standard-driven economy that delivers opportunities and prosperity for all,” he averred.
Earlier, the Director General, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the project represents another milestone in SON’s decentralization and modernization drive, describing it as a deliberate effort to bring its services closer to stakeholders and strengthen its field operations for greater national coverage.
He said the new Sokoto Office stands as a strategic infrastructure investment designed to enhance our capacity for product certification, inspection, testing, market surveillance, and stakeholder engagement across Sokoto and neighbouring states.
“In practical terms, this facility will house technical and administrative teams responsible for ensuring that goods produced or sold in this region conform to established Nigerian Industrial Standards.
“It will also serve as a training and advisory hub for micro, small, and medium enterprises seeking to improve their processes and access larger markets.
“Distinguished guests, the strength of SON lies not only in the number of its offices but in the value of service delivery to industry, commerce, and consumers. With this office, manufacturers in Sokoto can now obtain faster certification, quicker laboratory coordination, and more consistent technical support without travelling long distances.
“The North-West region is rich in agricultural and mineral resources. SON’s presence here will deepen quality assurance in the processing of grains, hides and skins, building materials, and other commodities, enabling them to meet export requirements and attract investment.
“We are also intensifying collaboration with border agencies in this zone to strengthen conformity assessment and combat the inflow of substandard goods. The Sokoto Office will serve as a coordination point for such inter-agency activities,” he said.
The SON boss said in line with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, SON is ensuring that locally produced goods meet standards that guarantee consumer confidence and competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
“Our contribution to this policy is technical,building systems that make quality measurable, verifiable, and traceable.
“I must commend the commitment of our staff who have worked tirelessly to establish this facility. Their dedication embodies SON’s renewed drive for excellence and accountability in public service.
“Let me also acknowledge the consistent guidance of the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Honourable Minister of State, Senator John Owan Enoh; and the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, whose policy direction continues to strengthen SON’s institutional framework.
“Finally, I thank the Government and people of Sokoto State for their hospitality and cooperation. We look forward to continuous collaboration to ensure that standards remain a tool for safety, quality, and prosperity,” he averred.
Director General, SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Honourable Minister Of State Federal Ministry Of Industry Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh Owan, Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Haruna Abbas, Sultan, Sokoto State, Representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Iyan Sokoto Alhaji Aminu Bala and lastly Director Corporate Affairs, SON Mrs Talatu Ethan at presentation of DG,s SON Two Years Landmark achievements in SON and commissioning of SON Sokoto office
