Abuja: The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on electrical and electronic standardisation in Nigeria. The announcement was made at a Stakeholders Forum in Abuja, organised by SON in collaboration with IEC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Forum was part of the 2025 African tour and the official visit of the Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the IEC, Mr Philippe Metzger, to Nigeria. Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, described the visit as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s standardisation efforts in the electrical and electronic sector. He highlighted Nigeria’s progression from an affiliate member to a full member of the IEC, which has allowed the country to mirror 23 IEC technical committees locally.
Nigeria’s involvement in IEC activities has resulted in the adoption and nationalisation of international standards, positively impacting local production quality. Dr Okeke pointed out the improvement in the quality of Nigerian electrical cables, which are now competitive in the global market. He encouraged Nigerian manufacturers to use the IEC Conformity Assessment Schemes to achieve international certification, enhance exports, and reduce rejections in global markets.
Mr Sanusi Garba, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NERC, also welcomed the IEC team, noting the timeliness of the visit amid ongoing power sector reforms following the Electricity Act 2023. He emphasised the necessity of aligning with robust standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in the electricity market.
Mr Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General, urged Nigeria to fully embrace international standards in clean energy, digital technologies, and smart grids. He highlighted the IEC’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability through advanced technologies like IoT, artificial intelligence, and smart energy systems. Metzger stressed the importance of standards in maintaining quality and preventing unsafe products from entering the Nigerian market.
Metzger also underscored the role of IEC in enabling smart grids and integrating renewable energy. He highlighted IEC’s work on emerging energy solutions, including low carbon hydrogen certification and tailored cybersecurity standards for industrial environments. On sustainability, Metzger reiterated IEC initiatives such as carbon footprint verification and circular economy services to support Nigeria’s environmentally responsible industrial growth.
Metzger called for increased participation of young Nigerian engineers and experts in IEC’s programmes, asserting the importance of digital natives in shaping future standards and innovation. He expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership with Nigeria and encouraged stakeholders to deepen collaboration to harness the full potential of clean energy and digital transformation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the forum included participants from academia, the manufacturing sector, regulators, and consumer groups, aiming to engage with the IEC delegation and discuss ways to further enhance Nigeria’s role in global standardisation efforts.