Check certification marks before you buy products, SON tells Nigerians

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has cautioned Nigerians to check product certification marks before making purchases to prevent buying substandard or counterfeit goods. The organisation recently uploaded a list of certified products to its official website, enabling consumers to easily identify and purchase high-quality locally made goods.

SON Director-General Dr Ifeanyi Okeke emphasized this during the CANEX WKND 2026 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos. He explained that the online publication would empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. "This development will help consumers find and buy quality products easily. It puts the power of choice in the hands of the Nigerian consumer, and it rewards manufacturers who have met our standards," he stated.

Okeke encouraged the public to visit the SON website to verify certified products and report any suspicious certification marks. The SON's involvement in the expo aimed to deliver its quality assurance message directly to manufacturers, small business owners, and consumers. He noted that certification opens doors to larger domestic and international markets and safeguards consumers.

At the SON exhibition, officials educated attendees on product certification under the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS), the MANCAP program for locally manufactured goods, and the SONCAP program for imported products. They also provided guidance on identifying substandard and counterfeit goods, verifying SON authentication marks, and reporting suspicious items. Small and medium-sized enterprises received assistance on the certification process, including application procedures, product testing, and approval.

Okeke highlighted that the SON's public awareness campaign aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's vision of promoting local production. Nigerian-made products must meet international standards to compete effectively under the Federal Government's Nigeria First policy. The organisation's presence at the expo aimed to promote quality consciousness, strengthen local manufacturing, and protect consumers from substandard products.