By Professor Abdullahi Danladi Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, ZARIA adanladi08@gmail.com (+234)803...
By Professor Abdullahi Danladi
Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering,
Ahmadu Bello University, ZARIA adanladi08@gmail.com (+234)8039208479
As the world celebrates World Standards Day 2025, Nigeria joins the global community in acknowledging the profound importance of standards as the backbone of sustainable development, industrial growth, and consumer protection. Standards are not merely technical specifications; they are the moral and intellectual framework upon which quality, trust, and progress are built. They give meaning to innovation, direction to production, and confidence to consumption.
In the context of Nigeria’s economic development, the role of standards in encouraging citizens to patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods cannot be overemphasised. The dream of national industrial revival and self-sufficiency will remain elusive unless our products consistently meet defined benchmarks of quality, safety, and reliability. When local goods adhere to standards, they speak the universal language of excellence the one that needs no advertising to win the trust of consumers.
Unfortunately, the reluctance of many Nigerians to patronise locally made products often stems not from lack of patriotism, but from doubts about quality and durability. The solution lies in unwavering commitment to standardisation. Producers and manufacturers must view compliance with standards not as an administrative burden but as a strategic investment in their credibility and competitiveness. A standardised product does not beg for acceptance; it earns it through consistency, safety, and performance.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other regulatory bodies have provided robust frameworks for quality assurance, yet true progress demands more than policies and regulations; it requires a change in attitude. Every manufacturer, artisan, and service provider must embrace standards as an ethical duty and a symbol of national pride. Products that meet international benchmarks become ambassadors of the Nigerian spirit, proving that excellence can indeed be homegrown.
Equally, the government must lead by example in the promotion of Made-in-Nigeria goods. It sends a conflicting signal when public offices, institutions, and agencies continue to depend on imported goods that have local substitutes of comparable quality. Leadership by example is the most effective form of advocacy. By prioritising locally produced goods in government procurement, we not only demonstrate faith in our industries but also stimulate innovation, create jobs, and conserve foreign exchange.
Consumers, too, have a patriotic duty in this chain of national progress. Patronising locally made goods that meet approved standards strengthens the economy, empowers industries, and sustains livelihoods. It is not enough to call for industrialisation; we must support it with our choices. When Nigerians insist on quality and reward excellence, they create a market that demands continuous improvement and innovation.
As we commemorate this year’s World Standards Day, let us all, government, producers, and consumers, renew our shared commitment to the culture of quality. Standards are the lifeblood of industrial civilisation; they are the unseen pillars of progress and the safeguards of our collective well-being. They ensure that what we make is safe, what we consume is reliable, and what we export is respected.
The phrase “Made in Nigeria” must evolve from a mere label into a mark of distinction, a symbol of reliability, creativity, and pride. Our progress as a nation will not be measured by the abundance of our resources, but by the excellence of our products and the integrity of our processes. When we produce with discipline, consume with patriotism, and govern with sincerity, we set Nigeria on a path toward self-reliance and global relevance.
On this World Standards Day 2025, let every Nigerian remember that adherence to standards is a collective responsibility and a patriotic act. Through standards, we build trust; through trust, we build industries; and through industries, we build a great nation.
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