The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced that it has achieved over 60% harmonisation of export certifications, a move aimed at enhancing Nigeria's participation in intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the Final Validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform event in Lagos, SON's Assistant Director of Trade, Chioma Chudi-Anaukwu, highlighted the progress made through Nigeria's active membership in the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).
ARSO, established by the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, sets continental standards to streamline trade across African nations.
"We have harmonised standards, and SON plays a key role in ARSO, representing Nigeria in developing and implementing these standards," Chudi-Anaukwu stated. "When we certify a product—whether it's face masks or any other item—it meets the harmonised standard accepted across multiple African countries. This ensures that certifications issued in Nigeria are recognised continent-wide."
She noted that Nigeria's certification adoption rate exceeds that of many other African countries, positioning the nation as a leader in standardisation and trade facilitation.
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Ensuring Mutual Recognition and Direct Access for SMEs
To further support exporters, SON has established Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with other African regulatory bodies, ensuring that Nigerian certifications are accepted in partner countries and vice versa.
Chudi-Anaukwu advised exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to engage directly with SON rather than rely on consultants, whom she warned could exploit businesses seeking certification.
"It is in the best interest of exporters to avoid consultants because they often charge exorbitant fees," she said. "SON has an active SMEs desk that provides rebates and support to make certification easier and more affordable."
She also encouraged exporters to communicate clearly with SON officials to obtain the correct type of certification for their products.
"When you approach SON, you need to specify whether you need a Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification, a product-type certification for exports, or compliance certification to meet another country's import requirements. Without this clarity, the default certification issued may not meet the importing country's standards," she explained.
Addressing Certification Challenges with SGS and Global Standards
Responding to concerns from exporters facing demands for Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) certification from international buyers, Chudi-Anaukwu clarified that Nigeria has an existing partnership with SGS and other globally accredited certification firms, such as Cotecna and Intertek.
"Exporters need to understand the specific certification required by the importing country. If an importer requests SGS certification, the exporter must determine which Nigerian certification aligns with that requirement," she said.
Similarly, she noted that Nigeria requires the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) certification for certain regulated products entering the country. This ensures that imported goods meet Nigerian standards before clearance.
As SON continues its efforts to harmonise standards, the agency reaffirms its commitment to eliminating substandard goods and strengthening Nigeria's position as a key player in Africa's emerging trade landscape.
