The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), through its National Metrology Institute (NMI), is exploring a strategic partnership with the British Standards Institution (BSI) to strengthen Nigeria’s measurement and calibration capabilities, enhance the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.
The engagement took place during a two-day technical visit by a BSI delegation to the NMI Headquarters in Enugu on October 5 and 6, 2026. Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Director-General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Head of NMI, Engr. Dr. Samuel Ayuba Ushe, described the visit as timely, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s metrology capacity.
The BSI team identified the cocoa value chain as an initial area of focus, noting that improved measurement, calibration and traceability systems would help Nigerian agricultural products meet international requirements. Team Lead, Mr. Mike Peer, also highlighted the need to strengthen Nigeria’s internationally recognised Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMC) under the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) framework.
BSI Consultant, Engr. Obiora Manafa, pioneer Director of NMI, expressed the institution’s readiness to support SON in strengthening Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure. The delegation also toured the Institute’s Mass, Pressure, Temperature, Length and Dimension, and Metrology in Chemistry laboratories to assess existing facilities, identify technical gaps and explore opportunities for further collaboration.
The engagement underscored the importance of targeted technical support, improved measurement infrastructure and strategic partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s metrology system. The proposed collaboration is expected to support agricultural exports, beginning with cocoa, while advancing product quality, international market access and Nigeria’s industrial and economic development.
