Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON): Brief History, Functions And Salary Structures

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the government agency responsible for standardizing and regulating the quality of all products and services in Nigeria.

SON was established on 1 January 1971 and has since remained active and in fighting against substandard products in Nigeria.

In this article, we shall take a look at SON’s brief history, functions and salary structures for its numerous staff across Nigeria.

Brief History: The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was established by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No. 56 of 1971. It is a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, with the mandate to promote and enforce standardization and quality assurance of all products, commodities, and services in Nigeria.

Functions of Standard Organsation of Nigeria (SON).

SON performs basically very important functions in Nigeria, some of which include:

1. Standards Development: SON develops and reviews standards for products, services, and systems in Nigeria. This involves setting minimum requirements and specifications for quality, safety, and performance.
2. Product Certification: SON certifies products that meet the required standards for quality, safety, and performance. This ensures that consumers are protected from substandard and unsafe products.
3. Import and Export Control: SON regulates the import and export of products in Nigeria to ensure that they meet the required standards. This helps to prevent the importation of substandard and unsafe products that can harm consumers.
4. Inspection and Testing: SON conducts inspections and tests on products to ensure that they meet the required standards. This includes testing for quality, safety, and performance.
5. Consumer Education: SON educates consumers on their rights and responsibilities with regards to product quality and safety. This helps to empower consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing products.
6. Enforcing Standards: SON enforces compliance with the required standards for products and services. This includes conducting investigations and taking legal action against individuals or organizations that violate the standards.

SON Salary Structures for Staff

The salary structure for SON staff is based on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) which was implemented in 2007.

The salary structure varies depending on their grade level and job function. The organization follows the salary structure set by the Federal Government of Nigeria for civil servants.

The CONPSS has different salary scales for different grades and levels. For instance, the entry-level salary for a Graduate Assistant on Level 08 Step 01 is around ₦1,073,217 per annum.

A Director on Level 17 Step 09 earns about ₦4,183,600 per annum, an indication that workers with SON are well paid and job secured.

It is important to note that salary structures are subject to review and adjustment by the government, and may vary based on location, job function, and other factors.

In addition, SON offers various benefits to its employees, including health insurance, pensions, bonuses, hazard allowances and other incentives, subject to periodic reviews and adjustments in the salary structure, which means that the salary levels in SON can change over time.

In summary, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) plays a crucial role in the development of Nigeria’s economy as its functions are geared towards promoting consumer protection, ensuring product quality and safety and supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy through standardization.