The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the federal agency that sets, monitors, and enforces product quality standards across Nigeria. It runs MANCAP for locally made goods and SONCAP for imports, both compulsory under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015. The current Director-General is Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke. SON’s HQ sits at 52, Lome Crescent, Zone 7, Wuse, Abuja.
This guide explains what SON does, how MANCAP and SONCAP work, who needs the certifications, and where to find SON offices and labs around the country.
What does SON stand for?
SON stands for Standards Organisation of Nigeria. It is the federal agency in charge of standardisation, quality assurance, and product certification. SON works under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
SON history in brief
SON was created by the Enabling Act No. 56 of 1971. The law has been amended several times. The latest version is the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which replaces Act No. 9 of 2004. The 2015 Act gives SON wider powers to inspect premises, seize substandard goods, and prosecute offenders.
What SON does
The agency’s main jobs:
- Sets Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) — drafts the rules products must meet to be sold in Nigeria.
- Certifies products — through MANCAP (local) and SONCAP (imports).
- Tests goods — runs accredited labs in Lagos, Kaduna, and Enugu.
- Polices the market — seizes counterfeit, fake, and substandard goods.
- Calibrates measurements — keeps weights, balances, and meters accurate (metrology).
- Trains industry — runs courses on quality systems and ISO standards.
- Protects consumers — answers complaints and educates buyers.
MANCAP: certification for locally made products
MANCAP stands for Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme. It is the SON certification every Nigerian manufacturer must hold before selling regulated products at home.
How MANCAP works:
- Manufacturer applies to the SON MANCAP Division.
- SON inspects the factory and sampling routine.
- SON labs test product samples against the relevant NIS.
- If the product passes, SON issues the MANCAP certificate.
A MANCAP certificate is valid for three years. Processing takes about 60 days from the date of a complete application. Without MANCAP, regulated goods cannot be displayed for sale in Nigeria.
SONCAP: certification for imports
SONCAP is the SON Conformity Assessment Programme. It is the offshore version of MANCAP — a pre-shipment check that imported goods meet Nigerian standards before they leave the country of supply.
The SONCAP process has two main documents:
- Product Certificate (PC) — issued after lab tests at an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab. Valid 6–12 months.
- SONCAP Certificate (SC) — shipment-specific certificate the importer needs to clear goods at the Nigerian port.
If a shipment fails verification, SON issues a Non-Conformity Report (NCR) and the goods cannot be exported to Nigeria.
For SONCAP queries, visit soncap.son.gov.ng.
How to spot a SON-certified product
Look for two marks on the package or product:
- MANCAP mark — for locally made goods.
- NIS mark — Nigerian Industrial Standard, the certified product mark.
A QR code is now printed on most marks so buyers can scan and verify with the SON database.
SON vs NAFDAC — what’s the difference?
NAFDAC handles food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and bottled water. SON handles every other product — electronics, building materials, cables, cement, tyres, textiles, fertilisers, paints, and more. A product registered with NAFDAC still needs SON certification if it falls under SON’s regulated list. They are separate agencies with separate mandates.
Who runs SON?
The current Director-General/Chief Executive is Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, appointed in 2024. The Director-General reports to a Governing Council, which reports to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Common challenges SON tackles
- Smuggling — substandard goods slip in through unmanned routes.
- Counterfeits — fake versions of branded items in open markets.
- Underfunding — limits how many factories and ports SON can cover at once.
- Low awareness — many small traders don’t know about MANCAP.
SON’s response includes the e-Product Registration scheme, the Product Authentication Mark (PAM) with scannable QR codes, and joint operations with Customs at the ports.
SON corporate headquarters
SON Headquarters, Abuja
- 52, Lome Crescent, Zone 7, Wuse, FCT.
- 0800 225 5766, 0705 699 0099
- [email protected]
- son.gov.ng
SON Operational Headquarters, Lagos
- 13/14 Victoria Arobieke Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
- 01 270 8247, 0815 939 0771
SON regional offices
- North East — 42 Aminu Galadima Way, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa. 0805 535 4732.
- North West — 44 Kachia Road, Kaduna. 0803 408 5005. [email protected].
- North Central — 14 Kitwe Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. 0803 343 6859.
- South East — 3 Proda Road, Engineering Lab, Emene, Enugu. 0803 409 2179.
- South South — Air Freighters House, KM 1 East/West Road, Port Harcourt. 0815 939 0785.
- South West — 13/14 Victoria Arobieke Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. 0817 942 6711.
SON laboratories
SON runs five accredited test labs:
- Electrical/Electronics Laboratory — Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. 0802 350 4698.
- Food Technology Laboratory — Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. 0803 313 9563.
- Chemical Technology Laboratory — Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. 0802 302 9628.
- Textiles & Leather Laboratory — 7/9 Gwari Avenue, Barnawa, Kaduna. 0803 592 0845.
- Engineering Laboratory — Emene Industrial Layout, Enugu. 0701 558 5629. [email protected].
Each state also has a SON office. The full list is on son.gov.ng.
FAQs
Is SON a government agency?
Yes. SON is a federal agency under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
How do I check if a product is SON-certified?
Look for the MANCAP or NIS mark on the package. Scan the QR code on the Product Authentication Mark with a phone, or check the certificate on the SON portal at son.gov.ng.
How long does MANCAP take?
About 60 days from the date SON receives a complete application, assuming the factory inspection and lab tests pass on the first round.
How long is the MANCAP certificate valid?
Three years. Manufacturers must apply for re-certification before expiry.
Do I need both NAFDAC and SON registration?
If your product falls under SON’s regulated list, yes — even with NAFDAC registration. NAFDAC and SON cover different product categories.
Where do I get SONCAP for imports?
You apply through SON’s accredited International Inspection Agencies (IIAs) in the country of supply. Once verified, the IIA issues the Product Certificate, then the SONCAP Certificate per shipment.
Read also:
Federal teaching hospitals in Nigeria