By Kayode Olopade
The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, has underscored the indispensable role of the media in promoting national economic growth and industrial development, describing media partnership as a critical enabler for Nigeria’s developmental aspirations.
Dr. Okeke made this assertion on Monday in Lagos during a one-day capacity-building workshop organized by SON for members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN).
Speaking through the agency’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Talatu Ethan, the SON DG emphasized that the workshop was aimed at equipping journalists with accurate and up-to-date knowledge about the agency’s operations, including standardization processes, producti quality assurance mechanisms, and Nigeria’s regulatory framework—all of which he described as fundamental to building a competitive and sustainable economy
“As partners in progress, your role in promoting industrial development, facilitating trade, and safeguarding consumer rights cannot be overstated,” Okeke said. “You are the crucial link between the technical world of standardization and the broader understanding of everyday Nigerians.”
He noted that the media, through print, broadcast, and digital platforms, wields significant influence in shaping public perception, influencing consumer behavior, and encouraging industrial compliance.
“Your pen is powerful,” he remarked. “It can catalyze change, demystify standards, and help deepen national conversations around made-in-Nigeria products, quality assurance, and competitiveness.”
Dr. Okeke charged the correspondents to become ambassadors of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and advocates for quality, particularly in the context of promoting the "Nigeria First" policy, which encourages the patronage of locally made certified products. He also called on them to drive awareness about how standardization can help Nigeria fully harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Standards have become the currency of global relevance,” he noted. “Therefore, the media must help sensitize manufacturers, businesses, and the general public on the significance of adhering to SON’s certification schemes such as the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), among others.”
The DG further disclosed that the workshop would also serve as a platform to showcase the range of services offered by SON, including calibration services, management systems certification, training, and marketing advisory services.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of CICAN, Mr. Charles Okonji, highlighted the urgent need for stronger media-regulator collaboration, especially in the face of current economic challenges, including rising inflation and escalating prices of goods and services. He emphasized that the media must be empowered to inform the public about ongoing government interventions aimed at tackling these issues.
Describing the workshop as timely and strategic, Okonji commended SON for its continued partnership and support over the years, which he said has significantly enhanced public understanding of the agency’s work.
“SON has been supportive, and CICAN has reciprocated with consistent and fair reportage,” he said. “We urge SON to sustain and deepen this partnership so that both institutions can continue to serve the public interest effectively.”
The workshop brought together senior SON officials and over 50 journalists from various media organizations, with interactive sessions and technical briefings aimed at enhancing media capacity in reporting standardization and industrial development issues.
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