BY SAM OTUONYE
The Director General/Chief Executive, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, has said in line with President Tinubu’s agenda to deepen gas development, the agency has adopted 88 International standards for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) products to support the success of CNG initiatives.
Okeke while speaking at the weekend during a walk to commemorate the 2024 World Standards Day in Abuja, stated that SON is a member of the committee developing the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System (NGVMS), aimed at overseeing the implementation of CNG systems in vehicles and to ensure the use of quality products in Nigeria.
He said SON has also conducted factory visits to China and India to certify CNG components and kits, prioritising safety and quality assurance.
According to him: “As we navigate the challenges of climate change, we must acknowledge that standards are vital for the successful implementation of mitigation strategies”.
Okeke stated that standard is the bedrock of industrialization, hence refusal to leverage on it for improved global economy is a waste of time.
“We are raising awareness on the importance of standardization in the global economy importance of standardization for industrialization.
“So we want the world to know that standard is very important. Like I’ve said in different forums and fora, standard is the bedrock of what we do. Whatever we do, if we don’t recognize that standard is important, then we’re wasting our time.”
Speaking on the essence of the event, Okeke explained that the walk aimed at recognizing the importance of standardization by creating awareness among the members of the public while recognizing the efforts of staff of the organization who have been ensuring enforcement of standards across Nigeria.
“We are also recognizing the efforts of everyone who has participated in standardization in Nigeria, in Africa, and all over the world. In that, we’re talking about our national technical committee members, our management in standardization in Nigeria, and other professionals, and experts, and regulators, and industry practitioners that have participated in ensuring that we develop standards over time.
“Like I mentioned, in terms of regulations, in terms of certification, and in terms of conformity assessment. So standard is very important. I would deem it fit to recognize the importance of standardization by creating awareness of standardization among the members of the public,” he said.