The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in partnership and the Association Senegalese de Normalisation (ASN) are set to develop a regulatory framework to improve sanitation and promote hygienic environment across the African Continent.
This was made known at a workshop for stakeholders and key process owners on ”International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards on Non – Sewered Sanitation Systems in Nigeria”, held in Abuja.
In his opening remarks, the Director General (DG) of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Mallam Farouk Salim noted that the aim of the workshop was to present a comprehensive diagnosis of the legal, regulatory, and normative framework for sanitation in Nigeria and by extension Africa through the identification of existing gaps and opportunities, to allow for development of targeted strategies for the successful implementation of ISO standards as well as the Nigerian Industrial Standards in Nigeria.
Represented by the Director, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Dr. Justin Nickaf, the DG highlighted on the sanitation situation in Nigeria stressing that the workshop was part of the project for the adoption and implementation of standards for on – site sanitation in Sub-Sahara African countries.
According to Salim, the purpose of the standardisation work is to enable the development of standards along the sanitation system designed to address basic sanitation needs and promote economic, social and environmental sustainability.
The SON helmsman urged the experts to deploy their expertise to ensure that the objective of this laudable project is achieved.
He applauded all International agencies and Standard bodies present for their dedication towards improving the lives of Africans and Nigerians in particular through standardisation.
In his address, the Director General of the Association Senegalaise de Normalisation(ASN), Mr. EL Hadji Abdourahmane Ndione appreciated SON and all the stakeholders present for collaborating with ASN to execute the vision of ensuring the adoption and successful execution of these standards to achieve a healthy continent through the development and implementation of the standards.
Also speaking the Director of Industry, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Nyamba Djakaridja expressed his gratitude to ISO for providing technical support to the regional standardisation bodies and applauded the Nigerian Authority through SON for hosting as well as collaborating with the ASN to achieve this project in Nigeria.
Mr. Djakaridja emphasized the importance of Standards and urged all participants to actively engage in discussions, share insights, and collaborate wholeheartedly to create a path that not only meets ISO standards but also addresses the specific needs and challenges of Nigeria.
He charged the experts to set an example for other Sub-Saharan African countries, explaining that the deliberations from this workshop would make significant contributions to improving sanitation practices across the region.
Presentations were made by the Director, Standards Development, Engr. Yahya Bukar elaborated on the standards development process in Nigeria.
Mrs Tokuala Eva Chuku of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH Nigeria) also delivered a paper on ISO Standards on Non-sewered sanitation systems.
The hybrid workshop had attendees from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Health, ECOWAS Standards Harmonization Model ECOSHAM and Stakeholders in environmental issues and management.
