By Queen Kunde
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has intensified its campaign against malnutrition and substandard products in Rivers State, seeking stronger collaboration with the state government while also preparing to host a two-day workshop on food fortification compliance for manufacturers.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Port Harcourt on Monday, SON said food fortification remains one of the most effective ways to tackle malnutrition, especially among children and women.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources, Mrs Foluso Bolaji, said the agency was committed to strengthening partnership with the ministry to improve nutrition and ensure compliance with food fortification standards.
Bolaji explained that SON’s visit was aimed at deepening collaboration with the ministry in line with the National Policy on Food and Nutrition, stressing that addressing malnutrition requires joint efforts from government agencies and stakeholders.
According to her, food fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods to prevent deficiencies linked to Vitamin A, iron and iodine, which continue to affect many Nigerians.
She noted that SON already has standards in place for products such as flour, sugar, salt and edible oil, but stressed that compliance by manufacturers remains critical to achieving meaningful results.
Bolaji also disclosed that SON is introducing a Digital Fortification Quality Traceability System to improve monitoring, ease compliance tracking and promote transparency within the food production sector.
She urged the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry to support efforts aimed at strengthening joint monitoring of fortified foods, improving public awareness and integrating fortification programmes into state development plans.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Mr Nweke Onyechere Kelvin, welcomed the SON delegation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of citizens.
Kelvin expressed concern over the increasing circulation of adulterated and substandard products, especially consumables, warning that such products pose serious health risks to Nigerians.
He said the Rivers State Government was already taking steps to rid markets of substandard goods and pledged the state’s support for SON’s efforts in improving product quality and protecting consumers.
The SON delegation also used the opportunity to invite the ministry to participate in its two-day dialogue and workshop for manufacturers on food fortification requirements scheduled to hold from May 12 to 13, 2026, in Port Harcourt.
The workshop, themed “Improving Food Fortification Compliance with Standards at the Food Factory Level,” is expected to bring together manufacturers and stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening compliance with the Federal Government’s mandatory food fortification policy.
A major highlight of the meeting was the signing of an agreement between SON and the Rivers State Government to jointly combat substandard goods and ensure compliance with mandatory food fortification policies aimed at reducing malnutrition across the country.
Other members of the SON delegation included The Regional Director, South-South Region Mrs Esther Okon, – Deputy Director and Head Nutrition, Mrs Victoria Nsofor, Deputy Director, Food & Agriculture, Mrs Nene Obianwa, State coordinator, Rivers State, Engr Lilian Gua- Ikoro , Chief Standards Officer, Mrs Roseline Awokoya, Chief Standards Officer, Mr Clement Igbatim , Assistant Chief Admin. Officer Mrs Ladi Anyam and Assistant Chief Standards officer, Mr Ikerionwu Lambert.
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