The Nigerian government has articulated its commitment to enhancing the quality of traded products both within Africa and on the global stage, aiming to transcend beyond raw material exports. This initiative aligns with the overarching objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
During the 69th African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Council meeting held in Abuja and hosted by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite, represented by Mrs. Comfort Lenkat Emenb, the Director of Weights and Measures in the ministry, shed light on Africa’s current status as an un-industrialised continent that predominantly exports raw materials while importing value-added goods.
Dr. Anite highlighted the disparities, stating, “Africa remains un-industrialised, exporting raw materials while importing value-added goods. Africa’s share of world trade stands at 4 per cent, with intra-African trade accounting for only 17 per cent of its global trade.”
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She stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts among Regional Economic Communities, African Union institutions, private sector entities, and standardisation stakeholders to effectively implement the AfCFTA. Emphasizing the need for a quality infrastructure, Dr. Anite called for the establishment of robust quality assurance mechanisms based on internationally recognized standards, metrology, technical regulation, conformity assessment, and accreditation practices.
Echoing the sentiments, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), highlighted the pivotal role of the ARSO Council in approving harmonised African standards. He emphasized the importance of these standards in facilitating seamless trade within the AfCFTA framework and contributing to the global trade context.
The discussions at the ARSO Council meeting underscored Nigeria’s commitment, along with other African nations, to advance economic development by fostering a culture of quality and standardisation, thereby bolstering Africa’s participation in international trade.
