Local production of ventilators will save FG foreign exchange – SON

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has said that unifying the production processes of locally produced ventilators in conformity to international standards will go a long way in saving Nigeria foreign exchange.

The Nigerian regulatory agency in charge of standards in the country said that certifying locally produced ventilators, air purifiers and hand sanitiser machines would raise the standard got our products and save resources being spent on importation of ventilators for the fight of COVID – 19.

Emphasising that Standard is a common language all over the world, that once the nation was able to get the machines to standard, it wil get patronage all over the world.

Osita Aboloma, DG, SON

The Director General,SON, Osita Aboloma made the clarification at the unveiling of local ventilators produced by the Ilaro Polytechnic School, Ogun State

His joy knew no bounds over the institution’s innovativeness that has spurred it to locally produce ventilators, air purifiers and hand sanitisers machine to help flattening the curve of the novel deadly Coronavirus.

Aboloma expressed the readiness of the organization to support all institutions producing ventilators, called for strict adherence to required standards specifications which will no doubt increase patronage by citizens to improve their wellness.

The DG said, ” Standard is a common language all over the world. Once we are able to get the machines to standard, then we are there.”

Aboloma who was represented at the occasion by the Coordinator, Ogun State Office 1, Engr. Jerome Umoru said SON would encourage the private sector to invest in such innovations to enable the inventors go through the next stages of clinical trials in obtaining the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS ) Mark.

He stated that in no distant time, Nigerian Consumers would be empowered through a product authentication scheme to determine the quality and conformance of products at the point of purchase, stressing that those without necessary certifications would be rejected.

Officials of SON and Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro during the inspection of Ventilators produced by the installation at the school in Ilaro, Ogun State

Aboloma however stated, “We diligently assigned officers to inspect the ventilators and alcohol-based hand sanitisers being produced .

“We have one common standard for each product and we want to ensure that what we are producing here meets the standard and once it meets the standard, we will certify it, We will also continue to monitor their activities so that they do not rest on their oars in producing quality goods.

“I have just presented a copy of the Standard to the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, it is the ‘golden rule,” he said.

According to him, once the institute meets the basic parameter requirements, certification of the innovations will be fast tracked.

He assured the support of SON to all technical institutions especially those involved in the production of life saving equipment and materials, of the relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and in undergoing certification of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) scheme.

Inspection on course at the school

In his response, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Arc. Olusegun Aluko, said ventilators cost so high to import, that partnerships with private sector could help boost local production of ventilators.

“The materials for manufacturing the ventilators are sourced locally, support to the noble innovation will make it more accessible and cheaper compared to imported one’s which are scarce, costly and would take longer to deliver”, he said.

The partnerships with SON which is the Apex standard body according to Aluko will cause the production of over a 100 ventilators daily to help combat coronavirus in Nigeria.

He said they believe and work only towards workable mutual partnerships, assured the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) of their commitment to standard.

The Rector explained that the institution has designed a disinfectant cubicle(just like the security screening cubicles at points of entry in banks) that would disinfect anyone passing through it within a space of 20 seconds.

He said the invention was critical at a time when the government was planning to open up the economy.

Arch. Olusegun Aluko, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro

The Rector said the institution has been able to design such safety aids for Covid-19 which include, disinfectant cubicle( like the security screening cubicles at banks), invented a multiple outlet of hand washing and sanitising machine that would be useful at supermarkets, schools and other public places.

He further showcased a handling room disinfecting machine produced by the institute, saying it could conveniently be used to disinfect classrooms, offices, banking halls among others, he solicited for more government support.

“We want patronage from different sectors to deploy the machines to the wellbeing of Nigerians ,” he added.

Aluko urged President Mohammadu Buhari to give SON all necessary support needed especially at this trying moment to do more and urged other government agencies to emulate the leadership role of the SON

He sincerely thanked the SON DG, Osita Aboloma and his management team for their unflinching support, prompt response to challenges and their patriotism, he urged the agency to keep it up.