26/05/2025
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), proudly welcomed Mr. Philippe Metzger, Secretary General of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to a High-Level Stakeholders’ Forum in Abuja.
This was a defining moment in our journey to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global standardisation and power ecosystem. The presence of key figures from regulatory bodies, professional associations, academia, the diplomatic corps, and the private sector underscored the importance of this engagement.
In my remarks, I emphasised SON’s strong commitment to global best practices. Nigeria’s growing adoption of IEC standards is already yielding significant benefits, especially in improving the quality of locally produced electrical materials and ensuring safer infrastructure.
Mr. Metzger acknowledged Nigeria’s vital role in the global economy and urged greater involvement in IEC governance to shape standards that reflect the realities of African countries. He also highlighted the IEC’s evolving priorities, including digital innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and low-carbon technologies. Nigeria has a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this global transition.
Discussions during the forum addressed key areas such as conformity assessment, expanding digital access to standards, developing national annexes tailored to local conditions, standardisation education, support for certified local manufacturers under the MANCAP scheme, and strategies to curb substandard imports through the SONCAP programme and factory inspections.
This forum reaffirmed SON’s resolve to deepen public awareness of standards, promote quality assurance, and ensure that Nigerian industries remain competitive and safe. The path to national development must be guided by strong standards and driven by innovation.
Together, we are shaping a stronger, smarter Nigeria.