In a major boost for small businesses, 31 local enterprises in Kaduna State have been awarded the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The certification confirms that these businesses' products meet the Nigerian Industrial Standards, helping them build consumer trust and unlock new market opportunities.
The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, was officiated by SON Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, represented by Isaac Omebije, North-West Regional Director. He commended the businesses for their dedication to quality and their role in setting a positive example for other small manufacturers.
"The MANCAP certification is a rigorous journey involving strict quality checks," said Okeke. "These small businesses have shown they can compete by prioritising safety, consistency, and product integrity."
Mamza Irmiya, the Kaduna State Coordinator of SON, urged recipients to maintain these high standards or risk losing their certification. He encouraged SMEs to see compliance not as a burden, but as a pathway to business growth, improved efficiency, and broader access to local and international markets.
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One of the recipients, Peter Kuku of Tak Agro and Chemicals Ltd., shared that although the certification process involved multiple inspections and product reviews, it has positioned his company for greater customer confidence and business expansion.
To ease the burden for micro and small enterprises, SON has introduced a macro certification fee, alongside a new initiative — the Product Identification Scheme (PIS). This programme offers a more accessible path to certification for upcoming SMEs whose products are not yet covered by standard regulations.
Through the PIS, SON supports entrepreneurs with product testing, mentorship, and certification, helping more small businesses enter the formal economy with verified products.
Companies such as Global Care Industry Ltd., Simalox Paint and Decoration Services, Matrix Fertilizer Ltd., and Al-babello Trading Company Ltd. were among the certified businesses. Their achievement reflects growing momentum for small-scale manufacturers committed to raising their product standards and contributing to Kaduna's economic development.
The SON initiative is part of a broader push to support SMEs in Nigeria, equipping them to thrive through standardisation, improved product quality, and stronger access to both domestic and export markets.
