By Hajara Usman
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has awarded the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate to three companies based in Gombe State.
Our correspondent reports that the certified companies are Hara Foam and Chemicals Limited, Ugo Chemicals and Allied Products Limited, and Elshadai Tailoring Company, a producer of face masks.
Gombe State SON Coordinator Mohammed Bukar commended the companies for adhering to SON’s stringent standards, ensuring their products meet the national quality criteria.
Bukar emphasised that MANCAP, launched in 2006, aims to protect consumers by certifying that products meet established standards. He explained, “These companies went through a comprehensive process involving factory inspections and product testing.
He said certification typically requires products to pass quality tests on three consecutive occasions.”
He reassured consumers that products carrying the MANCAP mark are thoroughly vetted for quality. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of maintaining these standards, noting that SON conducts quarterly inspections to ensure compliance. Companies failing to uphold standards may risk losing their certification.
Mr Chidi Ugwu, Managing Director of Hara Foam and Chemicals Limited, expressed his pride in achieving certification. “We’re thrilled to have met the standards; it’s a recognition of our hard work,” Ugwu stated. He added that the company aims to sustain and elevate its standards to pursue further certifications in the future.
Ugwu also commented on the positive impact certification would have on local competition with international products. “This certification allows us to match global standards, enabling us to compete with foreign brands,” he said.
He pointed out the ongoing challenge of sourcing raw materials domestically in the current economic climate, urging the government for support in this area. He praised recent efforts to stabilise the naira, which he said had positively affected their business.
Ugwu assured clients of both quality and affordability, pledging that affordable products would not mean a compromise on quality. “We are committed to making standard products accessible to all Nigerians,” he said.
Also speaking was Mr Ugochukwu Eze, founder of Ugo Chemicals and Allied Products Limited explained that he had marketed several products before moving into paint production.
“With this certification, we hope to see the market growth and patronage we’re seeking. We now have branches in six states in the North East and are in talks with customers in Cameroon,” he said.
The MANCAP certification awarded to these companies is not only a testament to their commitment to quality but also strengthens consumer confidence in locally manufactured products that now stand on par with international brands.
