The Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said he looked forward to when the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, (SON) and Sokoto State wiould sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the state’s Small and Medium Enterprises, (SMEs).
Governor Tambuwal said this would expectedly open up market access for products both locally and globally.
Information obtained from the official website of the SON, www.son.gov.ng said the Sokoto State Governor said his government wiould work hand-in-hand with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to develop Small and Medium Scale Enterprises to improve the economy of the State.
Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the Standards Organisation of Nigeria played a critical role of ensuring all products whether imported or locally produced must conform to standards.
He added that the role of SON in nation building was sacrosanct as the Federal Government was looking for an alternative to the mono oil economy already in existence.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mallam Farouk Salim, who is “a pharmacist with vast experience“ to come and deploy his wealth of knowledge for the benefit of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Director General had appreciated the Governor’s willingness to receive him within a short notice.
He said he and his team were in the State to collaborate with the government on SMEs such as improving the packaging and labeling of their products by making it really look appealing to consumers more so as the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) agreements come to force.
Mallam Salim said even though all was set for the foundation laying for the State Office, he appealed to the Governor for another parcel of land to establish a laboratory for testing of manufactured food products.
He said that his reasons for establishing a laboratory is because it will not only cut cost in transporting samples to the available Food and Chemtech Laboratory based in Lagos, but will extensively improve the turn-around time for testing of such products within a short period.
Highlights of the event was the foundation laying for the construction of the State office complex where the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal directed the Commissioner of Lands to intensify efforts in providing a parcel of land for the establishment of the Laboratory.
Goveror Tambuwal also promised to grant waivers for building permits for the laboratory complex.
The Director General was accompanied on the trip by his Chief of Staff; Prof. Olobayo Kunle, Ag. Dir. Operations; Mr. Dauda Yakubu, Head; Public Relations, Mr.Bola Fashina, Head Construction Management; Mr. Olu Onagoruwa, Sokoto State Head; Mr. Mohammed Jubril, Head Protocol; Mrs. Maryam Samson and his PA; Mr. Hamzat Zubairu.
