MAN Commends SON’s Solar Project, Affirms Reliable Energy as Critical to Nigeria’s Industrial Growth

The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir,mni has described the commissioning of the 200-kilowatt Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power System at the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Laboratory Complex in Ogba, Lagos, as a strategic investment capable of strengthening Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness, promoting sustainable manufacturing, and boosting quality assurance.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the MAN DG applauded the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), GIZ Nigeria, the European Union, and other development partners for delivering the landmark renewable energy project, stressing that it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s transition to a more energy-efficient and climate-resilient economy.

Ajayi-Kadir explained that the project goes beyond the installation of clean energy infrastructure, representing a deliberate investment in standards development, innovation, and industrial productivity that will boost consumer confidence in Made-in-Nigeria products.

According to him, the collaboration between SON and NESP, implemented by GIZ, has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure while advancing global competitiveness through improved standardisation and quality assurance.

He underscored that reliable and affordable electricity remains the backbone of industrial development, but bemoaned the fact that manufacturers continue to face crippling challenges arising from unreliable public power supply as well as the rising cost of self-generation through diesel, gas, and other alternative energy sources.

He maintained that the persistent energy crisis has increased production costs, weakened manufacturers’ competitiveness, discouraged investment, and constrained the growth of the country’s manufacturing sector.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that SON’s adoption of renewable energy technologies sends a strong signal to investors, development partners, manufacturers, and public institutions that Nigeria is committed to building a modern, energy-resilient regulatory environment driven by innovation and sustainability.

He acknowledged that the project reinforces SON’s leadership in implementing the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (SONMELS), promoting energy-efficiency standards consistent with global environmental commitments while demonstrating operational excellence and environmental responsibility.

The MAN DG also lauded SON for maintaining strong engagement with the manufacturing community, adding that standards should not only protect consumers but also serve as catalysts for industrial growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

Earlier, SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the project as another milestone in the agency’s long-standing partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, adding that the collaboration, which began in 2018 through a Memorandum of Understanding with GIZ, has expanded from standards development to laboratory infrastructure, conformity assessment, capacity building, and support for emerging sectors such as electric mobility.

Okeke revealed that with support from NESP, SON has developed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and energy-labelling requirements for key electrical appliances, laying the foundation for Nigeria’s mandatory energy-labelling scheme.

The SON Director-General explained that the newly commissioned solar-powered system would provide reliable electricity for the agency’s specialised air-conditioner calorimetric testing chamber—the first facility of its kind in Nigeria and a future reference testing centre for the West African sub-region, while significantly reducing dependence on diesel generators.

He also disclosed that the SON currently spends nearly ₦80 million annually on diesel and about ₦6.7 million on electricity, but expressed optimism that the alternative energy system would generate substantial savings that could be redirected to other critical operations.

The Minister of Power, Dr. Joseph Tegbe, represented by Dr. Owolabi Sunday described the project as a major step towards achieving Nigeria’s energy security, industrial competitiveness, climate resilience, and economic transformation.

He described the solar installation as a demonstration of how public institutions can lower energy costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen investor confidence through quality infrastructure.

On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Engr. Muhammad Ishaya, declared that supporting SON is synonymous with supporting Nigeria’s industrial development, stressing that standards remain central to quality assurance, consumer protection, and economic growth.

She applauded GIZ, the European Union, and the German Government for strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure through renewable energy initiatives and expressed confidence that the SON project would serve as a model for wider adoption of clean energy solutions across public institutions.