The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended Guinness Nigeria Plc for adherence to good manufacturing practices.

The commendation came as the brewing company received certification for 24 of its products to the SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Scheme (MANCAP) to provide assurance to consumers and guarantee compliance with the relevant standards.

The certification followed a facility tour of Guinness Breweries factory in Ogba, Lagos.

The Director-General (DG) of SON, Mr Osita Abloma acknowledged Guinness Nigeria as one of the largest and renowned standard bearers in the manufacture of alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverage and spirits on the African continent.

He urged the company to ensure that consumers get value for money, while also ensuring their safety.

Aboloma reminded the company of SON’s presence at all times to ensure diligent implementation and enforcement of standards in the collective interest of consumers, manufacturers and the nation’s economic development.

Aboloma commended the company’s consistency in maintaining its certification to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Standards (ISO 14001), describing it as a proud ambassador of products and systems quality.

The DG asked Guinness not to relent in providing technical and institutional support for standards development and harmonisation in Nigeria and across the African continent through active participation in working group and technical committee meetings.

Welcoming the SON team, Guinness Managing Director/Chief Executive, Baker Magunda, acknowledged the invaluable support and guidance of SON to the company over many decades, in ensuring the steady growth and expansion of its equity through diligent standards application and promotion of international best practices.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to continual improvement in its products and service offerings, stressing that Guinness Nigeria cherishes its partnership with SON and other regulatory agencies.

Also addressing the SON delegation, Director, Corporate Relations, Mrs. Viola Graham-Douglas, went down memory lane on the establishment of the first Guinness brewery in Nigeria, stating that Nigeria is the largest stout market in the world after Ireland.

She commended SON for its efforts in ensuring the ease of doing business through the automation of its processes, especially relating to products and management systems certifications.

The SON team was conducted round the brewery facility by Messrs. Hanna Colman, Supply Chain Director, Kingsley Imade, Site Director, Ogba Brewery and Miss Mojisola Akpata, Head, Trade Regulatory and Government Affairs.