By Ladi Gbegi
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its dedication to digital transformation and enhancing transparency in its service delivery.
This commitment was highlighted by the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, during a training session for members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Public Relations, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji, Dr. Okeke outlined the significant advancements SON has made in upgrading its operations through digitalisation.
Dr. Okeke explained that these digital initiatives aim to boost efficiency and prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for substandard products. He noted that these efforts have not only streamlined the organisation’s internal processes but have also strengthened public service delivery.
He pointed out that SON’s digitalisation drive earned the organisation a second-place ranking in the 2024 Half-Year Transparency and Efficiency Compliance Report by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), with a transparency score of 78.2 percent. This achievement places SON ahead of 18 other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“This recognition highlights our commitment to improving service delivery through innovative digital solutions. Our goal is to make our services more accessible and transparent, fostering greater accountability and trust between SON and the public,” Dr. Okeke said.
He stressed the importance of clear communication between SON and the public, especially in clarifying SON’s distinct mandate compared to other regulatory agencies. The director-general acknowledged past misunderstandings regarding SON’s role, which led to misplaced criticism.
Dr. Okeke clarified that SON’s primary responsibility is to set standards, regulate quality, and enforce compliance within the limits of the law. “As the nation’s standards body, we ensure that products meet the necessary quality requirements. Our digitalisation efforts underscore our commitment to making this process more efficient and transparent,” he added.
The training session aimed to deepen industry correspondents’ understanding of SON’s activities and equip them with the tools to report accurately on the organisation’s initiatives. Dr. Okeke urged participants to familiarize themselves with the SON Act of 2015 and help the public better understand SON’s role in the broader regulatory landscape.
He reaffirmed SON’s commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery, driven by digital innovation and a focus on transparency. He expressed confidence that these efforts would enhance SON’s operational efficiency and contribute to Nigeria’s overall industrial and economic development.
