The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Wednesday launched new initiative to further reduce substandard products in circulation.

The Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said this at the sensitisation seminar on the Integration of SON's e-certificates for processing SONCAP Form 'M' in Lagos.

The theme of the seminal is tagged: ‘Trade Facilitation via Automation of SON's Services.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the initiative is a platform where cargoes coming into the country pass through SON's e-certification to ascertain the kind of goods.

According to Odumodu, SON is targeting 10 per cent or less of substandard products in circulation by the end of the year.

He said that the organisation was able to reduce substandard products in the country from 80 per cent in 2007 to 40 per cent in 2014.

He said that the organisation was targeting 10 per cent or less by the end of the year.

“It is a project aimed at making life easier for all. The world is changing so fast and we have to evolve with it.

“The new system does not encourage corruption.

“The system is aimed at making trade easier, faster and at lesser cost as it will be beyond what customs does.

“Nigeria is a great country and as a people, we have to begin to look inward and determine the kind of future we want.

“We have crossed the rub icon and there is no going back.

“It is a new dawn and a new mandate. We are going to do it to the letter.”

Odumodu told the participants that only Tin Can Island Port in Apapa was the approved point of entry for importation of cables and wires.

He cautioned anybody found using another port to bring in cables would be dealt with.

The Comptroller of Customs Services, Mr. Benjamin Aber said that the Customs was collaborating with SON to enroll its platform in the new system.

Aber said that the purpose of the project was to serve the stakeholders better.

Mr. Ezra Israel, the Director of Policy and Programmes, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said that FIRS was also partnering with SON to make tax payment easier.

Israel said that the service had commenced an administration in which taxpayers would pay their taxes online without coming to any of its branches.

Mr. Joe Ajewole, the Deputy Director in charge of Trade and Exchange, CBN, said that the initiative was a major achievement because it would make transaction simpler.

Ajewole said that the initiative would enhance business transaction in the country.

“Now, SON has made it possible for businessmen to transact their businesses with soft copy.

“With just one platform, one can perform transactions without too much problem.”

The President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Frank Jacob, commended SON for the initiative.

Jacob said that with such a project, a businessman would do business at the comfort of his home. (NAN)

•Photo shows Dr. Odumosu

Update news