TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO EMPLOYERS PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO SON
In a recent meeting at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Operational Headquarters in Lekki, the Technical Committee of the Association of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Manufacturers (AFBTE), under the leadership of its chairman Mr. Fred Chiazor, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General and management of SON to engage in discussions regarding crucial issues and strategies for the sustainable development of the nation.
In his introductory remarks, the Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasized the significance of the meeting to address substantial concerns and exchange information on the latest developments in standardization activities in Nigeria. He highlighted that food safety is a matter of ethical importance, and it is SON’s responsibility to safeguard public health in accordance with its mandate.
The Director General expressed that the meeting offered a platform to review the progress made, identify areas in need of improvement as regulators, and brainstorm on how to capitalize on existing opportunities. He stressed the importance of providing appropriate guidance to ensure compliance, thereby addressing the challenges faced by manufacturers and key stakeholders in the nation’s economic development in meeting regulatory standards.
Dr. Okeke underscored the pivotal role of the food and beverage industry in ensuring economic stability and national food security. He emphasized the necessity of continually introducing initiatives to enhance the quality of manufactured goods, such as the introduction of the new MANCAP logo. This initiative aims to elevate the standard for manufacturers, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Nigerian products on the global stage.
Similarly, the chairman of the association, Mr. Fred Chiazor, highlighted the significance of the visit to acquaint the new management and engage in discussions on critical issues concerning MANCAP inspections citing the need to reduce the number of inspections. More insights on expediting guidelines, as well as updates on the free trade zone, standards deliberations, and other pressing matters were discussed.
The chairman also sought the support of SON to address the issue of some unauthorized Chinese companies who were reportedly importing and selling substandard msg in the northern part of the country illegally, thereby endangering the lives of its citizens.
While the association raised several issues, the Director General has already implemented measures to address these pressing concerns. Regarding MANCAP and fast track, the DG mentioned that inspections are conducted on a quarterly basis and for certification, two inspections are carried out, with a 60-day timeline for the process.
The management of AFBTE acknowledged that this administration’s timing could not have been more opportune, while also assuring the DG of their willingness and support to collaborate in combating the influx and sale of substandard goods in the country.
Concluding with a vote of thanks, the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Talatu Ethan, expressed gratitude to the delegates from AFBTE for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit SON. She also assured them that the DG and management of SON are always prepared to collaborate with them to ensure a better Nigeria, as the significance of collaboration cannot be overstated in pursuing a common goal.
