In a bid to stop the rejection of Nigerian products abroad, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom Global Trade Programme.
Both organisations have come together to share information that would be beneficial to them while also ensuring quality standard for Nigerian goods. The Nation reported that this was disclosed by the Director, Standard Development, Chinyere Egwuonwu.
According to Egwuonwu, the MoU would help in bringing both agencies together to share information, to support standards development improvement, to design capacity building activities and promote standard capabilities for both nations. Also, both parties would help each other disseminate information on export and import standard requirements for both countries.
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Speaking on the partnership, the representative of the British High Commission, Guy Harrison gave his assurance as he stated that the UK government was committed to the partnership with Nigeria.
He made known that technical assistance would be provided to improve the country’s trading capabilities. He also said that different programmes would be organised to eliminate non-tariff barriers on trade.
Harrison’s words: “The MOU will also translate to a more capable standard with access to global standard development programmes and wider standard information-sharing platforms. This, of course, will promote made-in Nigeria products to the UK and the world in general.
“This new drive will see to the involvement of measures which will help in the acceptance of Nigeria products in the international market. The MOU will address the rejection of Nigeria goods which is currently trending.”
A look into the rejection of Nigerian products: One of the reasons why Nigerian products are often rejected at the international market as reported by Nairametrics previously, is the use of improper labelling and packaging. Some Nigerian products are also rejected because they are not recognized internationally. Therefore, there is a need for exporters to include the generic names of their products.
In addition, some food items are rejected as a result of the poor quality, contamination and high levels of chemicals used while preserving them. This is why good agricultural processes are necessary.
Why this matters: SON partnering with an international organization would help in making international accessibility and acceptability easier for Nigerian exporters as the right information and assistance would be conveyed where necessary.