A Bill for an Act to repeal the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Act No.14 of 2015 has passed second reading at the National Assembly.
Leading debate on the Bill on Wednesday, the Sponsor, Julius O. Ihonvbere, 00N said it was to enact the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act, 2023 for the purpose of providing additional functions for the organisation, creating new offences and increasing penalties for offences relating to standardisation.
“The instant proposition for the repeal of the SON ACT NO.14 of 2015 is necessitated by the need to reposition the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to attain its full potential in areas of standardisation and quality control.
“SON being the National Standards Body, the proposed amendments will checkmate the threats posed to the national economy by the importation and manufacturing of substandard products that lead to avoidable deaths and monumental economic losses in the Country.
“It is expected to drive the diversification Strategy of the Government of Nigeria, as standardisation is indeed the pathway to economic development and growth.
“Mr Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, the challenges the Nigerian economy is faced with today require a hands-on approach and Standards and Quality assurance has a vital role to play in changing the narrative.
This bill is thus of national importance,” he said.
Ihonvbere explained that the key amendment areas of the Bill include, Life endangering products; review of sections in the previous Act that affect the rights of people; review of fines; and funding.
While thanking members of the House, Ihonvbere appealled for cooperation.
“I respectfully request your backing for the Bill to be read the second time and referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action,’ he said.
