Musa Na-Allah, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has reiterated its strong commitment to industrial development, local production, and investment promotion aimed at transforming the state into a hub of economic growth and innovation.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto made this known during the inauguration of the newly completed office complex of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in Kasarawa, Wamakko Local Government Area.
Represented by his Deputy, Idris Mohammed Gobir, Governor Aliyu said the state’s industrial development agenda aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and boost productivity across all sectors.
He described the commissioning of the SON office as a clear reflection of the deepening partnership between the Federal Government and Sokoto State, aimed at enhancing industrial infrastructure, promoting consumer protection, and ensuring product quality.
“The project is not just about infrastructure but a strategic investment in the safety, welfare, and economic prosperity of our people.
“Standards are not merely technical parameters; they are moral commitments that ensure fairness, reliability, and trust in every product and service,” the governor said.
Governor Aliyu added that the new SON facility would significantly enhance the organization’s operational capacity in Sokoto and the North-West region, enabling more efficient monitoring, testing, and certification of locally produced goods.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue supporting SON and other federal agencies operating in the state to ensure seamless implementation of their mandates.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, commended the Sokoto State Government for its consistent collaboration with federal institutions, noting that such synergy is critical for sustainable industrial growth.
He explained that the new SON complex was designed to provide a conducive environment for staff to effectively carry out certification, inspection, and quality assurance duties.
The minister urged SON personnel to remain professional, dedicated, and transparent in their work.
Senator Enoh further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening standardization and quality assurance systems to make Nigerian products more competitive both locally and internationally.
Also speaking, the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described the new office complex as a milestone that will enhance the organization’s efficiency in ensuring that goods produced in Sokoto meet both national and global standards.
Dr. Okeke emphasized that the facility would encourage manufacturers and entrepreneurs to adopt best practices, boost investor confidence, and drive industrial competitiveness across the region.
He expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government for its continuous support, assuring that the collaboration between SON and the state would further promote industrial growth, investment opportunities, and economic diversification.
