The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) says it has certified 5 manufacturers and 32 products for conforming to the Nigerian industrial standards requirements for the third quarter of the year.

The DG of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, disclosed this in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, during an event to certify 17 new products for Forgo Battery.

Okeke said the certification will unleash Nigerian manufacturers that are doing well despite the economic conditions, into the national and global markets.

According to him, “Recently, we have certified five companies and more than 15 products in Kwara State with addition of the 17 now making about 32. It is important that manufacturers consider certification of their products and the more we are able to certify, the better it is for the country and our partners outside.

“Our intention this year is to focus on agro allied because there is a lot of consumption going on across the country about that. These include rice, fish, meat and garri among others. In fact kulikuli is selling like hot cake and we are looking at how to further promote those small and medium scale manufacturers to promote safety”, the DG who was represented by its Kwara State coordinator, Ayeni Oyebola added.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Forgo Battery, Mr Joseph Alex Offorjama, said the influx of substandard products has been a challenge adding that production of its solar batteries will come on stream soon.

“The economy of the country has not allowed people to buy what they desire and hence the flourishing of substandard products.

“People who wish to drive can no longer do so because of the price of fuel. So the economy is low but as a company, we promised to offer real value for money hoping that the economy will bounce back soonest.

He said the certification of the “new 17 products certified by SON is a challenge to us even though it means we are doing very well as a team.

“It means our products can guarantee value for money and If consumers are disappointed, they can query SON for putting their label on it”, he added