As the federal government expresses its commitment to growing trade within the West African sub-region by deploying metrological infrastructure, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria has said the country would leverage on its membership of African Metrology Systems (AFRIMETS) to achieve that objective.
In his address, the director general of SON, Mr. Osita Aboloma expressed delight at the overwhelming attendance of 21 African member-countries and development partners at the AFRIMETS technical meetings and general assembly in Enugu, Nigeria.
Speaking at the 12th General Assembly of the intra-African AFRIMETS conference held recently in Enugu State, the director general of SON, Mr. Osita Aboloma said Nigeria’s membership of AFRIMETS and other continental and international standardisation bodies through SON is a deliberate effort in ensuring that the country participates actively in the development of international standards with a view to benefitting immensely from the domestication of same.
Aboloma enumerated Nigeria’s efforts at creating awareness on metrology services and the benefits it can bring to the nation’s economy and the welfare of its people through programmes such as the annual celebration of World Metrology Day, with the involvement and participation of stakeholders.
He expressed delight at the overwhelming attendance of 21 African member-countries and development partners at the AFRIMETS technical meetings and general assembly hosted by SON in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
In his address, the permanent secretary, federal ministry of industry, trade and investment, Mr. Edet Akpan said the federal government, through the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment and SON is committed to the establishment of a virile national measurement system, as can be seen from the ongoing development of the National Metrology Institute (NMI) in Enugu State.
Akpan who was represented by a member of the SON governing council, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, stated that the commitment was aimed at developing, strengthening and upgrading the national metrological infrastructure to facilitate trade, enhance export, accelerate economic development, protect the environment and ensure the health as well as safety of consumers in Nigeria and beyond.
Akpan, who is also SON’s governing council chairman, alluded to huge investment in human capacity development in the field of metrology and instrumentation over the years by SON.
He acknowledged the supply of some equipment by the UNIDO, awaiting installation and assured that the NMI will fully become operational before the end of 2018.
He said the recent formation of the Metrology Society of Nigeria (MSN) and the hosting of the 12th AFRIMETS general assembly are some of the positive signs for the growth, development and awareness creation on the science of measurements, accuracy and traceability in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the regional director of UNIDO, Mr. Jean Bakole reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the actualization of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) project in Nigeria, of which metrology is a key component.
He acknowledged the support of the European Union towards the UNIDO country project consisting of the NQI project among others, stressing that the NMI development is a pride to the UN family.
The chairman of AFRIMETS, Mr. Dennis Moturi in his remarks expressed the organisation’s appreciation to Nigeria for the hosting the general assembly pointing out that SON has been a good representative of the Nation in the metrology fraternity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi reaffirmed the state government’s preparedness to support the NMI project by repairing the road to the NMI saying its actualisation will lead to rapid economic development of the Nation.
“As a government, we will continue to pledge our necessary support and assistance towards the attainment of SON’s quest to rid Nigeria of substandard products. We have seen that the road leading to the institute and we will definitely do something about the road, because we believe in this project to bring about the much needed development,” said Ugwuani who was represented by the commissioner for special duties, Mr. Cornel Onwubuya.
The governor commended SON for its giant stride saying “we’ll continue to support SON in its efforts to rid the Nation of substandard products and promote rapid industrialisation.”
