The Director General/Chief Executive, Standards Organisation (SON) Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, has disclosed that the federal government is making heavy investments toward the development metrology services in Nigeria.
Okeke disclosed this on Tuesday at the 2025 World Metrology Day Celebration with the theme “Measurements for all times, for all People,” which highlighted the importance of measurements in shaping our past, present, and future.
The celebration also marked the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, that set the framework for global collaboration in measurement science by scientists who understood the link between economic success and access to accurate measurement standards.
According to him, metrology referred to the science of measurement, underpinning countless aspects of an individual’s daily lives from buying goods to using GPS navigation, human health and safety that all depend largely on reliable measurements.
He said: “In line with the Nigeria First Policy and Renewed- Hope agenda, SON is making concerted efforts aimed at putting a standard metrology facility in place at the NMI to serve as bedrock to the nation’s economic development.
“In line with this, the organisation is making concrete efforts to accredit the facility and put the nation in its pride of place and ensure traceability.
“When full optimised the metrology facility can save Nigeria capital fright
“The National Metrology Institute in Enugu is receiving greater attention in equipment supply, infrastructural development, training of officers, and accreditation of laboratories.
“When completed and fully developed, it will ennsure accredited testing and calibration laboratories obtain traceability of measurement locally, saving hard currency paid to foreign NMIs.”
It will also boost the country’s export base by providing confidence and reliability in export goods; improve citizen health and ensure a safe environment through accurate measurements and strengthen other components of the National Quality Infrastructure.
It will also reduce disputation and transaction costs in industry and commerce.
Okeke said that in furtherance of the federal government’s efforts to support manufacturers, SON has decentralised its calibration services by establishing offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Abuja.
This strategic move would enhance easy access and proximity for businesses across the country.
“Additionally, we have introduced Mobile Calibration Services, otherwise known as “Grassroots Calibration Services.” This innovative approach enables remote businesses Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to access calibration services at their doorstep, bridging the gap and fostering economic growth,” he said.
The director general of SON also said that the organisation is working to address challenges faced by small businesses in Nigeria, promoting awareness, training, and enforcing standards to boost improve product quality, and increase competitiveness.
Okeke added that “In Nigeria, we are celebrating this event by bringing together relevant stakeholders, in line with SON’s mandate on quality assurance and standardization.
“As the apex standards body in Nigeria, SON is vested with the responsibility of formulation, issuing, and enforcement of Nigerian Industrial Standards and Metrology.
“These are powerful tools for increasing productivity, better utilisation of resources, elimination of waste, protection of the environment, and removal of trade barriers.”
He said that in the course of a typical day, it is surprising how often measurements come into play, whether among many possible examples checking the time, purchasing food or produce, filling up a vehicle with fuel, making phone calls, exporting/importing goods and services like crude oil and gas, petroleum products, agricultural products or undergoing a blood pressure check among others.
“While we are making progress, we face challenges from unqualified individuals or firms offering calibration services that don’t meet standards. We urge stakeholders not to patronize these quacks, as they don’t provide value for their services.
“We are collaborating with relevant authorities to identify and eliminate these unscrupulous operators, ensuring that only accredited and reliable calibration services are available.
Let’s work together to promote quality and standards in our industry.
“I invite you all to join hands with SON to fight substandard products and create a healthy nation by patronising our calibration services. Together, we shall achieve the metrology of our dream,” he said.
