By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.

Two seminal publications authored by Princess Marline Waziri, PhD: “Standardisation in the African Continent: An Antidote for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)” and “Evolution and Development: National, Regional and International Standardisation,” were officially unveiled at the on Wednesday at the Mariam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja

In his address, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, Director General (DG) and Chief Executive of SON, who chaired the occasion, welcomed “Distinguished Royal Fathers, Members of the Organizing Committee, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Representatives of the Organized Private Sector, Members of the Academic Community, Development Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen,” underscoring the significance of the gathering.

Dr. Okeke highlighted that the two books complement each other, offering a comprehensive examination of how standards evolve and how they can be deployed as strategic tools for Africa’s development, particularly within the AfCFTA framework.

The first book, “Standardisation in the African Continent: An Antidote for the AfCFTA,” argues that harmonised standards are essential to dismantle technical barriers to intra‑African trade, enabling African products to move freely across borders and boosting continental competitiveness.

The second volume, “Evolution and Development: National, Regional and International Standardisation,” traces the historical and technical progression of global standards, emphasising the need for Africa to align its systems with international best practices to fully benefit from AfCFTA.

Dr. Okeke noted that SON’s mandate – developing and harmonising national standards, strengthening testing, metrology, and certification systems, and representing Nigeria in regional standardisation platforms – directly aligns with the insights provided in Princess Waziri’s works, reinforcing SON’s role in ensuring Nigerian products meet continental quality requirements.

Princess Marline Waziri, affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” was praised for her leadership within SON and her continental advocacy for quality and standardisation. Her contributions, Dr. Okeke said, position her as a pivotal figure in shaping Africa’s standardisation agenda.

The event served as a celebration of intellectual leadership and a call to action for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to deepen the culture of quality across Nigeria and the continent, thereby strengthening AfCFTA implementation.

Closing, Dr. Okeke extended heartfelt congratulations to Princess Waziri for her “exceptional scholarly achievement” and thanked all attendees for participating in the landmark unveiling.