Take Ownership Of National Quality Infrastructure Project, Media Practitioners Task FG

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 By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Nigerian government has been charged to make adequate provision to take full ownership of the National Quality Infrastructure Project.
This was part of the recommendation contained in a communiqué issued at the end of three-day capacity building media workshop for sustainability of the EU funded UNIDO National Quality Infrastructure Project in Nigeria held from March 5 to 7, 2018 in Lagos.
“There should be an annual National Standards Summit where international and local stakeholders deliberate on standards and quality in Nigeria.
“Food safety measures should be reinforced by manufacturers, regulators and policy makers in line with global best practices,* it suggested.
The communique said that public institutions should be more alive to their responsibilities in promoting standards for locally produced goods.
It also advocyate regular capacity building for reporters on standards; adding that more Editors and media owners should be engaged.
“There should be collaboration between the regulatory agencies for quality control in Nigeria. This will allow information flow for media visibility for enhanced awareness creation across the various stakeholder groupings.
“Relevant public institutions should be strengthened in the fight against smuggling of substandard goods in the country.
“Enforcement of laws for violators of standards,” it added.
The group also agreed to report extensively on quality infrastructure in the media as well as create public awareness on standards.
“Highlight challenges associated with the NQIP implementation to prevent such occurrences going forward,” it added.
Other media plans suggested are to help make the project a greater success, be thorough in reporting quality infrastructure, ensure the reportage is balanced.
“Follow up on leads, don’t give up on developing stories related to quality infrastructure.
“Generate exclusive story ideas, investigative thesis, Editorials, opinion, special reports, talk shows, jingles, documentaries, translations etc.” It added.
The workshop was organized by UNIDO-NQIP as a knowledge development and sustenance programme for the media in Nigeria.
It was aimed at broadening Journalists knowledge on quality infrastructure in Nigeria and sustainability of post project quality culture.
 It brought together journalists from online, print, broadcast, Wire Service and Public Relations practitioners across the country.
UNIDO-NQIP experts enlightened the participants during the 3-day training with the theme:
“Evolving Quality Culture for Media Professionals within the context of quality in Nigeria trade and industry sector” on National Quality Infrastructure, quality management system, food safety and International certification Standards (ISO).
It explained that at the end of the three-day training, participants learnt what accreditation and conformity assessment as well as its relevance to national development.
“They also learnt the status in Nigeria and the need to change the status quo to conform with global best practices.
“Participants learnt the impact of the NQIP on improving standards in Nigeria.  It also exposed participants to Nigeria National Accreditation Service (NiNAS) and its relevance to standardization.
” Participants also learnt that ISO 9001 specifies requirements for a quality management system.  It is used by organizations to provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
“ISO 14001 is a standard that sets out requirements for environmental management systems and used to control resources as well as waste reduction.
“ISO 22000 on the other hand deals with food safety management system and adherence to standards.  It is targeted at all organizations in the whole food value chain.
“Participants also learnt that training centres offer a range of certified courses on quality, auditing at different levels, improve standards, the economy and create job opportunities.”
The communique committee comprised of;
1. Mustapha Yauri – NAN
2. Ojoma Akor – Daily Trust Newspaper
3. Omolara Afolayan – TVC News
4. Adamu Yusuf – FRCN, Kaduna
5. Hassan Zaggi – The Authority Newspaper
6.Omini Oden.NTA International
7. Olatokewa Ayoade                    –       Vision FM

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