The Association of Food, Beverage, Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), led by its Chairman, Mr. Fred Chiazor, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General/Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, at SON’s Operational Headquarters in Lekki.
During the meeting, Dr. Okeke reaffirmed SON’s commitment to public health and rigorous standardization practices, highlighting initiatives such as the new MANCAP logo designed to enhance product competitiveness. He stressed that continuous review of regulatory practices is essential for addressing industry challenges and ensuring food safety across the nation.
Mr. Chiazor expressed concerns regarding the current frequency of MANCAP inspections, noting that reducing the number of checks could ease operational pressures on manufacturers. He also raised the issue of unauthorized imports of substandard MSG products, urging SON to intensify its oversight to protect consumers and uphold quality standards.
The discussion extended to exploring collaborative opportunities for capacity building and research. Both parties agreed that a strengthened partnership between industry stakeholders and SON would foster innovation in testing methodologies and regulatory compliance, ultimately contributing to national economic stability and food security.
Dr. Okeke also highlighted that the meeting served as a platform for open dialogue on streamlining processes and enhancing guidance for manufacturers. He noted that such interactions are vital for identifying areas where the regulatory framework could be fine-tuned to better meet industry needs while safeguarding public health.
Concluding the session, SON’s management and representatives from AFBTE underscored the importance of continued collaboration. They expressed mutual commitment to addressing pressing challenges and implementing measures that will support sustainable development in Nigeria’s food, beverage, and tobacco sectors.
