About SON

About the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the national apex standards body and an agency of the Federal Government mandated to ensure that products manufactured in, imported into, or exported from Nigeria meet established quality, safety, and performance requirements. Empowered by the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, the Organisation develops, approves, and enforces standards relating to metrology, materials, commodities, structures, and processes, and oversees the certification of products used in commerce and industry nationwide.

Our Mandate and Strategic Objectives

SON's mandate is to formulate, promote, and enforce Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) to protect consumers, support industry, and enhance Nigeria's quality infrastructure. Its core functions include standards development, product certification, conformity assessment, market surveillance, metrology and testing services, and consumer protection. In line with Sections 5(g) and 48 of the SON Act, SON is also responsible for verifying and confirming compliance with NIS before payments are made under government procurement contracts to ensure value for money and prevent the use of substandard materials. Additionally, pursuant to Section 6, the Organisation maintains a National Standards Library that provides authoritative reference materials for regulators, industry, and the public. Through these statutory responsibilities, SON promotes industrial competitiveness, strengthens national quality infrastructure, and safeguards the Nigerian market.

In line with its mandate, SON has set forth several strategic objectives aimed at modernizing its operations and enhancing Nigeria's industrial competitiveness. These objectives include:

• Modernizing Operations: Embracing digital transformation to streamline processes and improve efficiency
• Enforcing Standards Compliance: Ensuring that all products and services, particularly those procured by the government, adhere to the established Nigerian Industrial Standards
• Enhancing Industrial Competitiveness: Supporting the "Made in Nigeria" brand by promoting quality and adherence to international best practices
• Seamless Coordination: Collaborating effectively with other government agencies to ensure a unified approach to standardization
• Supporting Value for Money: Assisting the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in its mandate to ensure quality and value for money in public procurement