dc.description.abstract | This study presents an assessment of the effectiveness of the House Committee on Industry in overseeing the activities of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in promoting quality standards for products and ensuring the protection of consumers' public interest. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of SON and analyze the role of the House Committee's oversight activities in enhancing product standardization. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative surveys. The research objectives were 1) To examine the effectiveness of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and 2) To analyze the role of the oversight activities of the House Committee on Industry in enhancing product standardization.
To achieve the first objective, qualitative interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders, including SON officials, House Committee on Industry, industry representatives, and consumer advocates. These discussions provided insights into stakeholders' perceptions of SON's effectiveness in promoting quality standards. The findings revealed both positive aspects, such as SON's efforts in setting and enforcing standards, and areas for improvement, such as the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. For the second objective, a comprehensive analysis of the House Committee's oversight activities was conducted. The role of the Committee in enhancing product standardization was examined through an exploration of its legislative functions, monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with SON. The analysis revealed the Committee's efforts in holding SON accountable, raising awareness about product quality, and advocating for consumer protection. However, challenges were identified, including the need for improved coordination and resource allocation.
The research findings indicate that SON plays a crucial role in promoting quality standards, but there is room for improvement in certain areas. The House Committee on Industry has made significant contributions to enhancing product standardization through its oversight activities. However, there is a need for strengthened collaboration between the Committee and SON to address challenges and ensure effective industry regulation. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided to enhance the effectiveness of both SON and the House Committee on Industry. These recommendations include improving SON's monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, enhancing the Committee's capacity through training and resource allocation, and fostering closer collaboration between the Committee and SON to streamline oversight processes.
In conclusion, this thesis evaluates the effectiveness of the House Committee on Industry in overseeing the activities of SON in promoting quality standards of products and protecting consumers' public interest. The specific objectives of examining SON's effectiveness and analyzing the role of the House Committee's oversight activities were achieved through a mixed-methods research approach. The research outcomes contribute to a better understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement in the current oversight mechanisms. The recommendations proposed aim to enhance both SON and the House Committee's functions in ensuring effective industry regulation and consumer protection in Nigeria. | en_US |