Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has sought the synergy and collaboration of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, on checking substandard products within the South-East especially Enugu State.
The Enugu State Coordinator of SON, Engr. Peter Ameh, said this on Friday during a courtesy visit to Brig.-Gen. Murtala Abu, Commander of 82 Division Garrison at the Division’s Headquarters, Abakpa Cantonment in Enugu.
Ameh said that SON wanted more collaboration in terms of intelligence sharing, surveillance and enforcement drives useful to the organisation especially on state border operations and SON’s general security support in Enugu State.
According to him, this visit is part of the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke’s drive, to strengthen collaborative ties with all security agencies as well as sister enforcement agencies in the country.
He expressed concern on the menace and negative economic impact of incessant influx of substandard and fake products, both local or imported in the state.
“The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the collaborative relationship between SON and the Garrison in fighting the menace of substandard products produced within the country and those smuggled into the country through borders by unknown elements.
“The activities of substandard products in the markets, including Army Mammy’s Market, were of huge risk to consumers,” he said.
The Coordinator also requested the permission of the Commander to carry out an awareness campaign at the Cantonment’s Mammy Market so as to educate traders on products, standards and standardisation.
He commended the Nigerian army for its unflinching efforts toward keeping the state and country safe.
Responding, Abu expressed readiness to collaborate with any progressive thinking organisation in the area of security and protection of lives and property., adding that the promise was in line with the duty of the Nigerian Army nationwide.
The Garrison Commander explained that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s vision is “To Have a Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions Within a Joint Environment in the Defence of the Nation.”
He gave the assurance that SON should expect nothing short of standards from the army, especially in providing the organisation with worthy officers and soldiers for her operations as well as relevant intelligence when the need arises.
He urged SON to also carry the Nigerian Police along while the Nigerian Army assists at points of necessity.
