‘Infrastructure standards, others critical to Nigeria’s devt’

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) emphasized the critical role of infrastructure development in Nigeria's industrial growth, innovation, job creation, and overall national development. Speaking at a market sensitization programme to mark World Standards Day, SON's Director General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, highlighted that standards play a vital role in ensuring that technologies, products, and systems supporting this transition are safe, efficient, reliable, and suitable for their intended purpose.

Okeke stressed that without standards, affordable and reliable infrastructure and energy necessary for growth cannot be achieved. He further explained that standards are not merely technical requirements in a document, but instruments for building trust, protecting consumers, supporting businesses, facilitating trade, and strengthening national development.

This year's theme, 'Shared Vision for a Better World,' focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure affordable and clean energy. Okeke pointed out that this theme directly relates to one of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria. SON has been actively contributing to national objectives by advancing infrastructure development and the adoption of standards across various critical sectors, including energy management, transportation, food safety, healthcare, and social areas.

Moreover, SON has been instrumental in supporting the Nigerian energy transition by developing and approving standards for compressed natural gas (CNG). Okeke explained that SON approved 80 standards in 2024, covering areas such as CNG conversion kits, electrical connections, vehicle diagnostics, roadworthiness, and vehicle safety. This commitment to the Nigerian energy transition underscores the importance of standards in achieving sustainable development goals and driving economic growth in the country.