By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, has warned that inaccurate measurements in sectors such as fuel dispensing, healthcare, food production, and manufacturing could weaken public trust and hurt Nigeria’s economic growth.
Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, stated this on Wednesday during the 2026 World Metrology Day celebration in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Metrology: Building Trust in Policymaking,” Okeke said reliable measurements and standards are essential for governance, industrial development, consumer protection, and international trade.
“Measurements influence virtually every aspect of our daily existence, from fuel dispensing and medical diagnostics to food safety, industrial production, and digital technologies,” he said.
“Without confidence in measurements, public trust in systems and institutions can be weakened.”
Okeke described accurate measurement as a strategic economic tool that supports innovation, trade, investment, and the competitiveness of Nigerian products globally.
He said calibration services covering mass, temperature, pressure, and volume were nearing accreditation, while additional licensing offices have been established in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to improve service delivery.
Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Labaran Mohammed, Director, North-west zone office of the ministry, described metrology as “the invisible backbone of trust.”
“It is the foundation upon which scientific enquiry, industrial innovations, international trade and societal progress are built,” he said.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has intensified efforts to tackle substandard products through stronger regulations, expanded testing infrastructure, digitalization, and the strengthening of the National Metrology Institute in Enugu.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, represented by Salim Mohammed, Director Weights and Measure, said no nation can achieve sustainable development without reliable measurement.
“At the core of effective governance is reliable data. At the core of reliable data is trustworthy measurement,” he said.
He added that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful industrial growth without a functional National Metrology Institute and a strong national quality infrastructure.
For the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria also stressed the importance of standardization to industrial competitiveness and Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Speaking on behalf of MAN Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Adeyemi Folorunso said quality remains critical to market acceptance.
“When you produce and you don’t have the quality, nobody will buy,” he said.
The event brought together government officials, regulators, manufacturers, development partners, academia, and industry stakeholders to discuss the role of measurement science in governance and economic development.
Other stakeholders at the event also stressed the importance of accurate measurement and standardization to industrial growth, consumer protection, and public trust.
Meanwhile, industry operators and consumer protection stakeholders urged greater investment in calibration and standards enforcement.
