By Felix Khanoba
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged industries and businesses across the country to increase investment in calibration systems and quality control mechanisms to improve productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of locally made products.
Director-General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration.
According to him, greater commitment to calibration and conformity assessment processes would not only ensure compliance with regulations but also help reduce waste and position Nigerian products favourably in regional and international markets.
“I wish to particularly encourage industries and businesses to invest more in proper calibration systems, quality control mechanisms, and conformity assessment processes. This is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets,” Okeke said.
Okeke explained that World Metrology Day is marked annually to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, which established international cooperation in measurement science.
He noted that metrology has continued to play a vital role in scientific innovation, industrialisation, trade, healthcare, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policymaking,” the SON boss stressed the importance of accurate measurements and reliable data in shaping effective government policies and informed decision-making.
“This year’s theme is both timely and strategic. In today’s rapidly evolving world, effective policymaking depends heavily on reliable data, accurate measurements, and verifiable standards. Governments, industries, regulators, and consumers all require trustworthy measurement systems to make informed decisions that impact lives, businesses, and national development.
“Indeed, measurements influence virtually every aspect of our daily existence, from the quantity of fuel dispensed at filling stations, the accuracy of medical diagnostics, the safety of food and pharmaceuticals, to industrial production processes, environmental monitoring, energy distribution, and digital technologies. Without confidence in measurements, public trust in systems and institutions can be weakened,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening standardisation, quality assurance and metrology as tools for industrial development and consumer protection.
Represented by the ministry’s Deputy Director of Metrology, Mr Labaran Rabiu Mohammed, the minister said standardisation and accurate measurement systems remained critical to boosting productivity, minimising waste and improving the quality of Nigerian products.
She added that the government had continued to enhance SON’s operations through expanded office infrastructure, improved testing facilities and digitalisation initiatives.
Oduwole further stated that the National Metrology Institute and regional laboratories located in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt were providing calibration, testing and quality assurance support services nationwide.
On his part, the Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh, described reliable measurement systems as essential for good governance, industrialisation and sustainable development.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Weights and Measures, Mr Salim Mohammed, Enoh said accurate measurements were central to credible data generation, evidence-based policymaking and public trust in institutions.
“Where measurement systems are strong, governance becomes more transparent, accountable and result-oriented.
“In sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, trade and environmental management, reliable measurements are essential for safety, quality and economic growth,” he said.
He called on stakeholders to work closely with SON in promoting standardisation and quality assurance to protect consumers and support economic expansion.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the SON Governing Council, Yahuza Inuwa, also reiterated the council’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure and industrial growth.
Represented by council member, Mr Adeyemi Adebayo, Inuwa said the council would continue to back policies and programmes aimed at advancing standardisation, quality assurance and metrology in the country.
He commended the SON management for its contributions to Nigeria’s industrial transformation agenda and efforts toward improving the nation’s quality infrastructure.
