By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has presented the Product Identification Scheme (PIS)certificate to a rice manufacturing company in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The rice company known as Shangsat started preliminary operations in 2018, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Mr Caring Simon said.
SON’s State Coordinator, Engr. Kenneth Joseph Shawo, who presented the certificates in Jos on Thursday, said PIS is a precursor and is valid for one year.
“PiS is to ensure that the product meets the required standard. When a product meets a required standard it means it is safe for use”.
According to him, PIS is a precursor to MANCAP, adding that MANCAP is a mandatory product certification scheme to ensure manufacturers deliver quality service.
Shawo said the organisation would continue to undertake periodic factory inspections, sampling and laboratory testing of products following the certification.
“This is to ensure that the products certified today continue to meet the requirements of the relevant standards that have earned your establishments these certifications.
“The products are to be revalidated periodically and it is important that you note that the certificate issued today shall be withdrawn or suspended if the products fail to meet the minimum requirements.
“This goes for both revalidating products and newly certified company products,” he said.
He added that the certification enhances business growth and maximisation, as well as the production of excellent quality products and healthy competition.
Shawo revealed that to meet micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at their point of standardisation needs, the SON had initiated a scheme known as the SON Product Identification Scheme (SONPIS).
“SONPIS certification is mapped out to address key challenges MSMEs face, such as access to relevant standards and insufficient testing facilities, and to strengthen their capacity to comply with the MANCAP.
“Through mentorship, fostering market-driven standards and encouraging voluntary compliance, SONPIS Certification is the only way by which MSMEs can explore and enjoy opportunities of the free trade agreement,” he added.
Responding, Shangsat CEO Simon, said the rice company is better than any foreign rice imported abroad. He said the beauty is that the rice is grown, produced and packaged in Jos.
“Our rice is made of standard. People think that rice has to be imported to remain foreign, without knowing that we can produce the standard of foreign rice in Nigeria”, he said.
