SON, industry stakeholders push improved welding standards to boost food safety compliance

SON and The Welding Federation (TWF) have called for stricter welding standards in Nigeria’s food processing sector, warning that poor practices risk contamination, product recalls and reputational damage for Nigerian manufacturers.

This was at an awareness programme held Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Ayo Adeniyi, Executive Director of TWF, said the initiative is aimed at closing technical gaps in Nigeria’s manufacturing systems and improving product quality.

“If contamination occurs in any Nigerian product and is detected outside the country, it brings reputational damage, loss of revenue and possible product recalls,” Adeniyi said.

He noted that many food and chemical processing plants in Nigeria are imported and assembled locally, making quality control during installation and fabrication critical.

“We are trying to improve the level of expertise in Nigeria so we can deliver quality the first time, repeatedly, without rework,” he added.

Contributing, Somwine Emmanuella, Food Safety Lead Auditor at SON in her presentation noted poor welds equate to safety hazards. “Dead zones harbour bacteria, and rough surfaces allow microorganisms to grow,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of material selection, proper inspection and adherence to global food safety standards such as ISO 22000 and hygienic equipment design protocols.

Also speaking at the event, Pious Manji Lawan, Special Adviser on Strategy to Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Director General of SON, said the organisation is exploring the development of a code of practice for orbital welding, a new welding technology, in the food industry.

Lawan who represented the Director General confirmed the organisation is working with industry partners to develop guidelines and possibly formal standards for orbital welding, with a focus on improving food safety outcomes.

“This collaboration is timely,” Lawan said. “It will make production more seamless and ensure safer products for Nigerians.”

Similarly, Wole Ogunsanya, chairman of the African Local Content Organisation (ALCO), warned that poor welding practices could have severe consequences, including food poisoning and industrial failures.

“If welds are not properly executed, they create zones where bacteria can thrive, and that can lead to serious health risks,” he said.

He urged regulators and industry players to collaborate on policy development, training and implementation. “We must ensure that standards are not only set but enforced across the industry,” he added.

The programme also featured practical sessions on orbital welding technology, which ensures uniform welds and reduces contamination risks in pipelines and processing systems. “Welding is not just about joining metals; it involves certification, inspection, policy and technology domestication,” Adeniyi said.