To elevate quality standards across Nigerian industries, stakeholders at the Quality 4.5 Summit, organised by the Quality Improvement Institute of Nigeria (QIIN), have come up with modalities to forge a path for business growth, competitive advantage, and enhanced consumer satisfaction in the country.
The summit which held in Abuja, as well as online via Zoom, has the theme: ‘Quality Management for Business Growth, Competitiveness, and Consumer Satisfaction.’
In his welcome address, chairman of the board of directors of QIIN, Dr. Umar Musa, said they have converged to forge a future where their businesses not only survive but thrive on the principles of quality management.
The keynote speaker and chief consultant at Patrice Top Trio Nig. Ltd., Mrs. Patricia Solarin, addressed the summit’s central theme, offering insights into how quality management is a crucial driver of business excellence.
“To every business leader, government official, and stakeholder here, I urge you to see quality certification not as a mere plaque on the wall but as a commitment. A commitment to excellence,
growth, and to the future of Nigeria,” she said.
At the plenary session, the importance of regulatory frameworks to fostering a culture of continuous improvement was delved into by representatives of the three regulatory agencies: Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director Surveillance and Investigation, presented on behalf of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); Mrs. Henrietta Okokon, Public Awareness Manager, represented the National Coordinator/CEO of SERVICOM; and Engr. Gabriel J. Abah, Assistant Director, SDD, represented the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Highlighting the interactive nature of the event, attendees participated in lively discussions on consumer protection and business regulations on issues of substandard products and services. These conversations underscored the commitment to adopting international best practices and tailoring them to the Nigerian context.
Testimonials from participants reflected the summit’s success, noting the actionable takeaways and the opportunity to engage with peers over shared challenges and solutions.
A participant was excited about the ground-breaking event as a game-changer in bringing synergy among quality professionals, businesses, and regulators.
He said, “QIIN emphasised the importance of translating summit discussions into concrete actions and policies that will benefit Nigerian businesses and consumers alike.”
According to him , QIIN will be implementing the SmartCertify programme, in which building human capacity in quality management systems will be a critical component of the programme. “
