The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken a significant step toward strengthening local industries with the inauguration of a new training and laboratory centre in Kano, aimed at equipping Northern entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to meet international quality benchmarks.
Mr. Faruk Salim, Director-General of SON, announced the development during the official commissioning of the facility. He reiterated SON’s commitment to improving the quality of Nigerian products to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
According to Salim, the training hub is designed to expose business owners to modern practices in product standardisation, ensuring their goods meet global acceptance and increase the nation’s export potential.
He further stated that once operational, the centre is expected to stimulate regional economic activity by boosting tax revenues, improving transport systems, and unlocking various developmental benefits. The facility will also issue certification to participants, providing them with credible credentials to support their business growth.
One key focus of the training programme will be the Halal business sector—an area experiencing rapid international growth. Salim emphasized that this component would open doors for local entrepreneurs to tap into a lucrative, expanding market.
Additionally, a state-of-the-art laboratory has been integrated into the centre to support testing and quality assurance for Nigerian-made goods. This will help ensure that products adhere strictly to required standards before reaching both local and foreign markets.
Calling it a “mini SON hub,” Salim highlighted that the new centre consolidates essential components of the agency’s operations, offering a holistic approach to quality control and entrepreneurial training in Northern Nigeria.
