The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Muhammad Bello-Koko, has urged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, to play active role in the export processing zones to fast track Nigeria’s export drive.

Bello-Koko said this in Lagos on Thursday, during a meeting with the Director-General of SON, Farouk Salim.

He said SON’s technical expertise would be brought to bear through its participation in the joint cargo inspection and examination for greater efficiency and swift apprehension of suspected substandard products.

The NPA boss said, “I enjoin SON to play active role in the Export Processing Zones to fast-track Nigeria’s export drive for quality and competitive products across the nation’s borders. We will work with SON to ensure it discharges its duty effectively. I am sure SON will also work with other sister agencies without issues.”

He disclosed that both organisations would deliberate on the personnels and equipments to be utilised following the presidential approval for Export Processing Terminals.

Earlier in his remarks, DG, SON, Mallam Farouk Salim expressed regret at the dangers posed by the influx of substandard products to the concerted efforts of relevant agencies and stakeholders towards growing the nation’s economy.

According to him, the situation was partly responsible for the increased unemployment rate and poor wealth creation in the country.

He added that all hands should be on deck to reverse the negative trend.

Farouk expressed SON’s preparedness to extend its Management Systems Standards Certification and training services to NPA personnel to continually improve its efficiency in service delivery.

While accepting the SON offer of training and certification, the Bello-Koko requested SON input into the NPA academy curriculum.

He commended the SON leadership for piloting various initiatives to reposition the organisation in order to achieve its statutory mandate.