SON RESTATES COMMITMENT TO BOOSTING INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE

Nigeria through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has restated its commitment to boosting intra African trade through standards development and harmonization.

This commitment was made by the Director General, Osita Aboloma at a 2-day National Mirror Committee Meeting to harmonize Stakeholders views on  African Standards for Textile and Leather in Abuja.

According to the DG, “SON is collaborating with the regional body whose mandate includes to develop and harmonise African  Standards for the purpose of  enhancing intra-African trading capacities, improve the  competitiveness of African products and services globally in order to improve the general wellbeing of African’s.”

The DG who was represented by Mr. Dauda Yakubu,  Regional Coordinator North West/Head International Standards stated that SON has put in place necessary human and material structures to obtain and articulate national views and positions on applicable international standards through various National Mirror Committees.

This according to him is to synchronise with all ARSO member countries for uniformity.

He enumerated the objective of the National Mirror Committees as working to articulate national views on ARSO draft Standards for submission to the secretariat for harmonisation as African Standards.

The DG commended participants from various agencies, institutions and manufacturers for their time on the national assignment urging them to provide their expertise to assist the Nation towards improving the lives of Nigerians and indeed Africans through Standards.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Olufemi K. Sumonu, a Professor of Textile and Polymer of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria assured the SON DG of the commitment of his members to the assignment.

Draft Standards considered during the two day meeting include those on;

  – Duvets and Pillows (Plumage filled and Synthetic-fibre filled ;

  – Woven Sacks for packing cement-high density polyethylene/poly propylene and Men and women  socks as well as commercial and sports socks.

Others include; labeling and marking of textiles and household textile articles; disposable adult diapers and reusable Sanitary towels among others.

A total total of 19 draft standards were considered during the two day meeting.