The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) on Tuesday said that it is committed to best practices in the country’s shea butter value chain.

It said that the measure would boost consumers' confidence and ensure global competitiveness for the product.

Malam Farouk Salim, SON Director General, stated this in Minna at a one day sensitization workshop on Shea Butter Value Chain to companies in the value chain in the state.

The SON also used the occasion to present Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificates to certified companies in the value chain.

“One of the most important agricultural activities in Niger state is shea-nut production, processing and marketing.

“Niger state produces over 50 per cent of the shea nut butter in Nigeria. Therefore it is imperative to create awareness on the importance of producing quality shea butter both for local and international use, which will boost consumer confidence and global competitiveness.

“As an organisation charged with the responsibility of facilitating the development of standards and also ensuring that the quality of locally manufactured and imported products meet the requirements of the relevant standard in order to satisfy the needs of customers.

”We will ensure quality and safety as well as facilitate trade. SON has developed relevant code of practice for shea butter value chain,” he said.

Salim, who was represented by Mr Umaru Kawu, Director Human Resources Management, said that President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated commitment to the promotion and development of non-oil sectors with focus on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the driving force.

“This is in line with the presidential order on ease of doing business.

“At the heart of this efforts are the twin issues of standards and quality of our locally manufactured goods and services,” he said.

He said that quality was an important factor in any product or service, hence the workshop and presentation of the MANCAP certificates to ensure global best practices.

“With the high market competition, quality has become the market differentiator for almost all products and services,” he said.

The Director General said that quality control was essential to building a successful business that delivers products that meet or exceed customers expectations.

Similarly, Mrs Talatu Ethan, Director, North Central Region, SON, said that the workshop's objective was to ensure that stakeholders become aware of the SON brand, products and services and the need to support the organisation to succeed.

Ethan said that the workshop would make the companies in the value chain to comply with the relevant Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) in the production, processing and marketing of shea butter.

Earlier, Hajiya Hauwa Nuhu, the state coordinator SON, said that the organization presented 67 MANCAP certificates to 45 companies for 91 products within and outside the shea value-chain.

Also, retired Capt. Mohammed Musa, Managing Director, Crystalizer Nigeria Limited whose company received MANCAP certificate in the production of fertilizers, said that he was satisfied with the SON’s certification.

“This certificate shows that our fertilizers are of good quality that will enhance crop production,” he said.