The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged Nigerians to check product certification marks before buying goods. The agency says this will help consumers avoid counterfeit and substandard products.
SON has also published a list of certified locally manufactured products on its official website. The move will help buyers identify goods that meet approved quality standards.
SON Director-General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, announced the development on Friday, November 6, 2026.
He spoke during the ongoing Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND 2026) in Lagos.
Okeke said the online list would help consumers confirm product certification before making purchases.
He also urged Nigerians to report products carrying fake or questionable certification marks.
According to him, the initiative gives consumers better information and encourages manufacturers to maintain quality standards.
At the exhibition, SON officials educated visitors on two major certification programmes.
The Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) covers locally manufactured products. Meanwhile, the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) applies to imported goods.
The officials also explained how consumers can identify counterfeit products. They demonstrated how to verify SON authentication marks and report suspicious goods.
Okeke said product certification could help small businesses access larger markets in Nigeria and across Africa.
He noted that many small businesses produce quality goods but lack information about the certification process.
SON therefore provided guidance on applications, product testing and approval procedures.
The agency also linked the campaign to the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy. The policy promotes local production and encourages Nigerian manufacturers to meet international standards.
SON said the initiative would strengthen local manufacturing and protect consumers from unsafe and substandard products.
