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By Engr. Gbolahan M.A. Alabi-Isama MS, Founder/CEO at Supercomafrica
“President Tinubu highlighted that a well-implemented quality infrastructure would lead to a stronger Naira, improved industrial capacity utilization, job creation, and overall economic expansion.”
Call for a Culture of Quality
The workshop organised under the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) and supported by the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), marks a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to trade enhancement and economic diversification. Tinubu emphasized that fostering a culture of quality will be crucial in ensuring seamless trade beyond Nigeria’s borders, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification strategy.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the SGF, Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, the President highlighted that a robust and sustainable National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), as facilitated by the effective implementation of the Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP) under the SPP, will significantly boost non-oil exports. This, in turn, is expected to yield increased foreign exchange earnings, a stronger Naira, improved capacity utilization, job creation, and overall economic growth.
Impact on Trade Competitiveness
“With Nigeria leading digital trade efforts in Africa, the effective execution of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol will be a critical focus moving forward.” Engr. Gbola Isama
Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent recognition as the Digital Trade Champion for Africa at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tinubu called on stakeholders to proactively drive the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. This endorsement places Nigeria at the forefront of digital trade policy development in Africa, necessitating strengthened quality standards to remain competitive on the global stage.
The President expressed appreciation to the UK Government for its continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure through the SPP. The partnership has been instrumental in driving regulatory compliance, standardization, accreditation, conformity assessment, inspection, testing, and metrology services to align Nigeria’s trade practices with global best standards.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), Osita Aboloma, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to establishing a more efficient National Quality Infrastructure that integrates both public and private sector interests. He underscored the need for improved competitiveness of Nigerian personnel, produce, products, and services to reduce export rejections and promote self-sufficiency.
UK’s Support through SPP
Dr. Simeon Umukoro of the UK Department for Business and Trade at the FCDO echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the UK’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He highlighted that the SPP, backed by the UK FCDO and implemented by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with Nigeria’s NQC, aims to enhance export capacity, attract investment, and remove technical trade barriers. The partnership aligns with the objectives of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership MoU, currently in its second phase, to bolster trade efficiency and economic growth for both nations.
With a shared commitment to strengthening quality standards and ensuring Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global market, the workshop underscored the critical role of metrology services, regulatory compliance, and standardization in driving sustainable economic growth. As Nigeria continues to implement the NNQP and AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, stakeholders remain optimistic that these measures will solidify Nigeria’s position as a key player in regional and global trade.
