19/05/2026
π· NiNAS and SON Formalize Strategic Partnership Through Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
In a significant milestone for Nigeriaβs National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria - SON today, 19 May 2026, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen institutional cooperation in advancing quality, standards, accreditation, and conformity assessment systems in Nigeria.
The MoU signing follows the recent high-level strategic engagement between the Director General of NiNAS, Dr. Celestine Okanya, and the Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, FCA, ACTI., alongside their respective management teams, where both institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeriaβs quality ecosystem in support of national development priorities and the Renewed Hope Agenda of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration in areas including accreditation support, conformity assessment, capacity building, technical cooperation, and the promotion of internationally accepted quality practices. Both Parties acknowledged that their respective roles within the National Quality Infrastructure are distinct yet complementary, and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the independence, impartiality, and integrity of accreditation in line with international best practices and ISO/IEC 17011 requirements.
In further alignment with global standards, all cooperation under the MoU shall be guided by relevant international frameworks of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) to support global recognition and acceptance of Nigeriaβs accreditation system. The agreement also provides for jointly developed work plans, periodic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and sustained institutional engagement aimed at enhancing confidence in Nigerian goods and services within regional and international markets.
This landmark collaboration reinforces the collective resolve of both institutions to build a credible, globally aligned, and internationally competitive quality infrastructure that supports trade facilitation, industrial growth, consumer protection, regulatory effectiveness, and economic transformation in Nigeria.
Celestine Okanya