Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke has reiterated his commitment to continue to protect and the growth of local manufacturing companies in the country in the bid to enhancing the industrialisation of the nation. Such development,Okeke said, would also reduce the production of sub standards products and thereby accelerating the economic growth of the country. Speaking  in Ilorin, Kwara state capitalwhile declaring open a one-day Stakeholders Forum for  Manufacturers, MSMEs, Importers and Exporters, Okeke said the protection of local manufacturing companies remains a main agenda of the present administration in its tasks  to discourage importation of goods and services. The theme of the workshop is Standard- “The Pillar for Innovation, Safety  and Sustainable Development.” Represented by the SON Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Talatu Ethan, he said: “One of the cornerstones of this administration’s industrial policy is the “Nigeria First Policy. This is not just a directive from above, it is a challenge to every Nigerian to look inward, support homegrown solutions, and raise the quality of local production. For this vision to be meaningful, we must anchor it on credible quality infrastructure.

THISDAY