The National Quality Council (NQC) has intensified collaborations with different critical stakeholders in a bid to ensure the implementation of the approved Nigerian National Quality Policy (NNQP) document,
According to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NQC, Mr. Osita Aboloma explained that these collaborations are part of the Council’s quest to drive quality-related issues in the overall interest of the rapid economic development of Nigeria.
He said the implementation of the NNQP will boost the promotion of non-oil export, mitigate Nigeria’s export rejects and the optimise the Country’s gains from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement among other initiatives.
In a press statement, the Council explained further that some of the key stakeholders include the African Union Commission/Pan African Quality Infrastructure the United Kingdom High Commission, Abuja/British Standards Institute under the Standards Partnership Programme Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), among others,
Speaking on the UK-funded Standards Partnership Programme being implemented in collaboration with the British Standards Institute, Aboloma stated that the NQC is the focal point for the implementation which involves sister agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), National Plant and Animal Quarantine Services etc. as well as Organised Private Sector Groups, including, Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NiNAS), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), NACCIMA, NASME, NASSI, Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG) etc.
The NQC Chief Executive enumerated the first set of components of the Standards Partnership Programme to include sensitization of the role of the policy in making the QI more efficient and focused within Government and Key stakeholders.
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“The completion of the NNQP Implementation Strategy Matrix based on the key sectors identified by the NEPC. Developing and implementing a NQP communications strategy as part of launching and promoting the role of the NQP, especially within the private sector.
“Provision for appropriate professional and technical training, mentoring and skills transfer for the QI institutions and related conformity assessment bodies using a market needs driven approach; and the development of best practice technical regulations through the use of regulatory impact assessment (RIA) and good regulatory practice” the statement noted.
The Chairman reiterated that the NNQP is to guide the development and effective implementation of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) consisting of the following pillars: “Standards (Harmonisation of standards and implementation to facilitate regional, continental and international trade
“Metrology, the science of measurement and accuracy (scientific, industrial and legal) for certainty in trade across regional, continental and international boundaries Accreditation (external recognition of adherence to a set of international standards to perform activity or hold a certain status thus conferring global acceptance)
“Conformity Assessment services (inspection, testing and products/systems certification) to guarantee that products tested in Nigeria will be acceptable across its borders, beyond the West Africa Region, the entire African Continent as well as globally,”
He therefore stressed that the Council is poised to work seamlessly with all Stakeholders including public and private sector organisations as well as institutions housing the National Quality Infrastructure in Nigeria, development partners and multi-lateral institutions, to promote and enhance efficiency and effectiveness aimed at rapid economic growth via improved competitiveness of made in Nigeria products and services.
