The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has published the comprehensive directory of products approved under its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme on its official portal, empowering buyers to easily spot and purchase verified domestic goods. Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of the agency, announced this development during the CANEX WKND 2026 gathering hosted at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos State.
Represented by Mrs Talatu Ethan, who heads the Corporate Affairs Department, Okeke noted that the online directory grants citizens the ability to authenticate items before making purchases. “This development will help consumers find and buy quality products easily. It puts the power of choice in the hands of the Nigerian consumer, and it rewards manufacturers who have done the right thing by meeting our standards,” he stated.
Why was the directory published online?
The digital rollout is designed to eliminate counterfeit merchandise from the market by giving the public direct access to verified manufacturer records. Okeke encouraged citizens to check the platform regularly and report any suspicious items bearing fraudulent quality labels.
He added that the agency's presence at the Lagos event was intended to sensitize entrepreneurs and the public on standardisation. “Our presence here is about meeting businesses where they are. Many creative and small enterprises have excellent products but do not know how to get them certified. Certification opens doors to bigger markets, here at home and across Africa, and it protects the consumer,” Okeke remarked.
How does the agency assist small businesses?
During the exhibition, agency personnel interacted with entrepreneurs, explaining the regulatory requirements outlined in the Nigerian Industrial Standards. Exhibitors received detailed briefings on the MANCAP scheme for domestic goods and the SON Conformity Assessment Programme, which regulates imported merchandise.
Furthermore, participants learned techniques for detecting counterfeit items, validating official trust marks, and notifying authorities about substandard merchandise. Small and medium-sized enterprises received step-by-step instructions concerning documentation, laboratory testing, and the eventual issuance of quality approvals.
Okeke emphasized that domestic enterprises must adhere to stringent quality benchmarks to remain competitive internationally, aligning with the broader federal push to promote indigenous manufacturing and trade.