Ending Influx of Substandard Products
Amidst the calls to stamp out importation of fake and substandard goods into the country, PZ Cussons attain highest standard of certification,
The on-going trial of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for allegedly importing N5 billion fake tyres into the country has again beam attention to the presence of fake and sub-standard products in the Nigeria market even with the presence of several agencies saddled with preventing same at the nation’s sea ports. Importation of fake and substandard goods into the country goes beyond tyres as several other consumable are known to regularly find their ways into the country. The danger that such practices pose to the economic well-being of the country and the safety of Nigerians cannot be overemphasised as it ranges from killing of local manufacturers of such patronage due to non-patronage and the safety of individuals, who patronise such products.
Many observers trace the influx of such products to porous border and sharp practices at the entry ports. However, others still, have continually reiterated the need for local manufacturing concerns to improve on quality standard in order that they could meet international standards and well placed to compete globally as a deterrent to the continuous importation of such sub-standard goods. It must however, be noted that some Nigerian companies were known to adhere to the international best practices in their operations by adhering to the highest recognisable international standards. One of such companies is the foremost manufacturers of soaps and other household items, PZ Cussons Plc.
The issue again came up for discussion recently at the presentation of International Organisation for Standardisation’s ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certificates to the company for its Ikorodu and Aba factories by SON Director General in the country.
Chairman of the company, Chief Kola Jamodu, who lamented the influx of substandard products into the country called on the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to continue in its efforts to curtail the trade. While commending the work of SON and its new helmsman, Dr. Osita Aboloma. The certification and certificate presentation ceremony was in recognition the company’s quality and adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Chief Jamodu reiterated the need to protect local manufacturers against the menace of unscrupulous importers, whose stock in trade is to bring into the country fake products at the detriment of Nigerian and local manufacturers
Speaking at the certification presentation, Jamodu stated that, “What we are witnessing today is indeed a cause for celebration. A journey that started in 2013 has culminated into ISO 9001:2015 certifications providing maximum benefit to our organisation.
The quality management system of PZ Cussons factories in Ikorodu and Aba were established based on the strategic direction, culture and value of the organisation. Our company is now, more than ever before, fully committed to manufacturing products that not only meet consumer expectations. Of paramount importance is the fact that the products are safe for use and comply with standard specifications and requirements applicable to them.
“Our association with SON has been historic. We are one of the pioneers that started dealing with standards and quality regulators since the promulgation of the enabling act setting up the organisation in 1971. The company subjects its process to Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).
“Let me seize this opportunity of this event to congratulate you the Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria on your appointment to this office. We learn from the media of the good work that you are doing. Please keep it up; manufacturers need to be protected and need to be encouraged. Importation of sub-standard gods should be stopped and we will partner you to achieve that,” he stated.
Speaking further, he stressed that, “We have continuously made self-regulation our target and we are, therefore, pleased to be the first Nigerian company to achieve the certification.”
Importance of ISO 9001:2015 The ISO 9001:2015 QMS is the latest version that replaced the previous version ISO 9001:2008, and PZ Cussons is the first manufacturing company in Nigeria to achieve the certification after a year of rigorous audits of its manufacturing processes across factories.
ISO 9001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organisations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. It is the most popular standard in the ISO 9000 series and the only standard in the series to which organisations can certify.
ISO 9001:2015 applies to any organisation, regardless of size or industry. More than one million organisations from more than 160 countries have applied the ISO 9001 standard requirements to their quality management systems.
Findings reveal that organisations of all types and sizes find that using the ISO 9001 standard helps them to organise their processes, improve the efficiency of the processes and continually improve, which explains why all organisations that use ISO 9001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 9001:2015 as soon as possible.
ISO 9001 was first published in 1987 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), an international agency composed of the national standards bodies of more than 160 countries. The current version of ISO 9001 was released in September 2015.
Making reference to the certification in his address at the event, Osita stressed that the company had joined a privileged class of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certified organisations and charged local manufacturers to adopt global best practices when producing goods and services for public consumption, saying this is the only way to surpass consumers’ expectations.
He stated that the present administration was working tirelessly to create the enabling environment for local industries to thrive and remain competitive at the global market and assured local manufacturers of the agency’s commitment to protect local manufacturers in the country, seeking the support of Nigerians to join hands with SON to combat the influx of fake and substandard goods in the country.
According to him, the on-going challenges continue to create and sustain opportunities for local content development in Nigeria. He pointed out that the adoption of the ISO 9001:2015 QMS framework reflected the company’s vision to be a centre of excellence in the manufacture of soaps, detergents and other household products, leveraging on the best talents in Nigeria and internationally.
“The adoption of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System framework reflects your vision to be a centre of excellence in the manufacture of soap, detergents and other household products, leveraging the talents in Nigeria and internationally. By the presentation of the certificate today, PZ Cussons Ikorodu and Aba factories are adjudged to have a system in place to deliver quality products to its esteemed customers at all times.
“The ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System approach now provides you a robust, globally recognised and acceptable solution to address the challenges associated with managing internal and external issues and risks associated to business and harnessing the opportunities at your disposal. Achieving this certification is a demonstration of your management system’s conformity to internationally acceptable standard requirements and the ability of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc to get it right the first time and all the time.
“You would have to note that the quest for excellence has no destination because it is a moving target. Our challenge to you today is to keep the system healthy and up to date in order to reap the immense benefit of ISO approach to management. We are already receiving information from your customers to assure ourselves that you are up to their expectation and improving continually,” Dr. Osita added.