In a bid to elevate Nigeria’s position in the world of manufacturing and exports, Ifeanyi Okeke, the recently appointed Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has unveiled ambitious plans for his tenure. Okeke, who took office last week following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, is determined to promote locally manufactured products and strengthen the nation’s export capabilities.
In a statement released last Friday, Okeke highlighted his commitment to several key objectives, including job creation, poverty reduction, and bolstering confidence in the country’s export sector. He intends to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access advanced laboratories, providing them with the tools to enhance product quality and compete effectively in the global market.
“I have received the baton of stewardship today; my immediate priority will be to review the handover notes quickly to achieve our objectives timely,” stated Okeke, emphasizing the urgency and importance of his mission.
The new Director General expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged to diversify Nigeria’s economy, reducing its dependence on oil. He envisions a future where locally manufactured goods meet international standards, paving the way for significant export growth.
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Recognizing the commendable efforts of his predecessor, Mallam Farouk Salim, Okeke highlighted the importance of continuity in executing projects that align with the President’s homegrown economy agenda and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products on both domestic and international fronts.
Okeke is committed to stakeholder engagement as a fundamental component of his administration, with a strong focus on supporting micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises—the engines driving the nation’s economic growth.
“We are going to encourage the industry operators to take the issue of product testing as a very key element to productivity and economic growth,” he assured, underlining the significance of product testing in safeguarding the nation from substandard products and fostering industrial growth.
Eradicating substandard products is not just about quality but has far-reaching effects, including higher capacity utilization and increased employment opportunities, particularly for the country’s youth.
In closing, Okeke expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead SON and called for the support of all stakeholders in this crucial mandate. His vision for promoting local manufacturing and exports holds the promise of a brighter economic future for Nigeria and its people.
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