ISO Audit & Certifications

ISO STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION IN NIGERIA

In Nigeria, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and certification play a crucial role in various industries, contributing to improved quality, efficiency, and competitiveness. Here are some key ISO standards commonly implemented and certified in Nigeria:

ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems (QMS): This standard focuses on establishing effective quality management systems within organizations, ensuring consistent product/service quality, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement.
ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems (EMS): It sets guidelines for organizations to manage their environmental responsibilities effectively, reduce environmental impacts, and comply with environmental regulations.
ISO 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS): It provides a framework for managing and securing sensitive information, mitigating risks related to data security breaches, and safeguarding data assets.
ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS): This standard outlines requirements for creating a safe and healthy work environment, reducing workplace risks, and improving occupational health and safety performance.
ISO 22000: Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS): It focuses on ensuring food safety by outlining requirements for organizations involved in the food chain, covering aspects like handling, production, storage, and distribution.
ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems (EnMS): It assists organizations in establishing systems and processes to manage energy use efficiently, reduce energy costs, and improve energy performance.

Certification to these ISO standards is sought by numerous organizations across various sectors in Nigeria, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, services, oil and gas, and more. Achieving ISO certification in Nigeria offers several benefits, such as improved market access, enhanced credibility, compliance with international standards, increased customer confidence, and operational efficiency.

Certification bodies accredited by bodies like the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) or international accreditation bodies conduct audits and issue ISO certifications in Nigeria. These bodies assess whether an organization complies with the respective ISO standard’s requirements through thorough evaluations and audits.

Organizations pursuing ISO certification in Nigeria typically engage consultants or experts familiar with ISO standards to guide them through the implementation and certification process. This assistance helps in aligning the organization’s practices and systems with the ISO requirements, increasing the chances of successful certification.
Ultimately, ISO standards and certification in Nigeria serve as vital tools for organizations striving for excellence, continual improvement, and global competitiveness in their respective industries.

ISO CERTIFICATION PROCESS 

The ISO certification process involves several steps designed to help organizations implement, maintain, and achieve compliance with ISO standards. Here’s an overview of the typical ISO certification process:
Select Relevant ISO Standard: Identify the specific ISO standard(s) applicable to your industry or organization’s needs. Examples include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), etc.
Gap Analysis: Assess your current processes, systems, and practices against the requirements of the chosen ISO standard. This step helps identify gaps and areas needing improvement to meet the standard’s criteria.
Planning and Documentation: Develop a plan to address the identified gaps. Create necessary documentation, including policies, procedures, manuals, and records required to align with ISO standards.
Implementation: Implement the planned changes and improvements across the organization. This involves training employees, establishing new processes, and integrating the revised systems to comply with ISO standards.
Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the implemented systems and processes. These audits help identify any remaining non-conformities and areas for improvement before the external certification audit.
Select Certification Body: Choose an accredited certification body recognized for conducting ISO certification audits. Ensure they have expertise in the relevant ISO standard(s) and are accredited by a recognized accreditation body. Example of accreditation body are UAF, IAS etc.
External Certification Audit (Stage 1): The certification body conducts an initial audit (Stage 1) to review your documentation, processes, and readiness for compliance with the ISO standard. This audit identifies areas needing further attention before the final audit.
External Certification Audit (Stage 2): The certification body performs a more comprehensive audit (Stage 2) to evaluate the actual implementation and effectiveness of your systems and processes. They assess if your organization meets all the requirements of the ISO standard.
Certification Decision: Based on the findings of the Stage 2 audit, the certification body makes a decision regarding ISO certification. If your organization complies with the standard’s requirements, they issue an ISO certificate valid for a certain period, usually three years.
Surveillance Audits: After certification, periodic surveillance audits are conducted (usually annually) by the certification body to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
Certificate Renewal: Towards the end of the certification period, organizations must undergo a renewal audit to maintain ISO certification. This process involves a reassessment of compliance to ensure continued adherence to the standard’s requirements.
It’s important to note that the ISO certification process may vary slightly based on the chosen standard and the organization’s specific circumstances. Additionally, engaging experienced consultants or professionals familiar with ISO standards can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of successful certification.

BENEFITS OF ISO CERTIFICATION IN NIGERIA 
ISO certification, a globally recognized standard, holds significant importance for organizations across various industries in Nigeria. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification establishes a framework for organizations to ensure quality, efficiency, and continual improvement in their operations. In Nigeria, obtaining ISO certification offers numerous advantages that contribute to organizational growth, credibility, and competitiveness in the market.
Here are at least 10 benefits of ISO certification in Nigeria:
Enhanced Credibility and Reputation: ISO certification demonstrates a commitment to international standards, enhancing the organization’s credibility among stakeholders, clients, and partners in Nigeria and globally.
Improved Quality Management: Implementing ISO standards, such as ISO 9001, helps organizations establish robust quality management systems, leading to consistent and improved product/service quality.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: Adhering to ISO standards often results in better customer satisfaction by meeting or exceeding customer requirements and expectations, thereby enhancing the organization’s reputation.
Expanded Market Opportunities: ISO certification can facilitate entry into new markets both domestically and internationally by meeting specific standards required by potential clients or regulatory bodies.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings: ISO standards promote efficient processes, reducing waste, errors, and rework, which ultimately leads to cost savings and improved resource utilization.
Compliance with Regulations: ISO certification ensures compliance with relevant regulatory requirements in Nigeria, reducing the risk of legal issues and non-compliance penalties.
Strengthened Risk Management: Implementing ISO standards enables organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate risks more effectively, fostering a proactive approach to risk management.
Enhanced Employee Engagement and Morale: ISO certification involves employee training, engagement, and empowerment, fostering a culture of quality and continual improvement, thereby boosting morale and productivity.
Access to Global Supply Chains: ISO certification can be a prerequisite for partnering or becoming a supplier to larger global companies, opening doors to valuable supply chain opportunities.
Continuous Improvement Culture: ISO standards emphasize continual improvement, encouraging organizations in Nigeria to consistently seek ways to enhance processes, products, and services.

WHY CHOOSE MECER CONSULTING LIMITED FOR ISO CERTIFICATION IN NIGERIA?

Choosing Mecer Consulting Limited for ISO certification in Nigeria offers several distinct advantages due to the company’s expertise, service offerings, and commitment to excellence. Here are compelling reasons why Mecer Consulting Limited stands out for ISO certification:
Expertise and Experience: Mecer Consulting Limited boasts a team of highly skilled professionals with extensive expertise in ISO standards and certification processes. Their experience in guiding numerous organizations through successful ISO certifications makes them a reliable choice.
Tailored Solutions: The company provides customized solutions tailored to the specific needs and goals of each organization seeking ISO certification. They understand that different industries have unique requirements and thus offer personalized approaches to meet those needs effectively.
Comprehensive Services: Mecer Consulting Limited offers end-to-end services, encompassing assessment, documentation, implementation, training, and audit preparation required for ISO certification. Their comprehensive approach ensures a smooth and efficient certification process for clients.
Proven Track Record: The company has a track record of delivering successful ISO certifications to a diverse range of organizations across various industries in Nigeria. Their success stories and satisfied clientele speak volumes about their reliability and capability.
Focus on Continuous Support: Mecer Consulting Limited provides ongoing support beyond the certification process. They assist organizations in maintaining compliance, continual improvement, and adapting to evolving ISO standards, fostering a culture of sustained excellence.
Timely and Efficient Service: The company is known for its prompt and efficient services, guiding organizations through the certification process within reasonable timeframes without compromising on quality.
Local Understanding and Presence: Being based in Nigeria, Mecer Consulting Limited possesses a deep understanding of the local business environment, regulations, and challenges, enabling it to offer more contextually relevant guidance to Nigerian businesses seeking ISO certification.
Client-Centric Approach: Mecer Consulting Limited prioritizes client satisfaction and success. Their client-centric approach involves close collaboration, clear communication, and a commitment to achieving the client’s objectives throughout the certification journey.
Value-Added Services: Apart from ISO certification, Mecer Consulting Limited may offer additional value-added services such as training programs, workshops, and continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing the overall benefits for organizations seeking certification.
Affordable and Transparent Pricing: The company maintains transparent pricing structures, ensuring that organizations receive quality services at fair and competitive rates.
Choosing Mecer Consulting Limited for ISO certification in Nigeria ensures a reliable partnership, expert guidance, and a streamlined process, ultimately leading to successful certification and ongoing excellence in quality management systems.
  

OUR SERVICES

ISO 9001 Certification
ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 45001 Certification
ISO 27001 Certification
ISO 22000 Certification
HALAL Certification
HACCP Certification.

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Mecer Consulting Limited
23, IT Igbani Street,
Jabi Abuja. 
08033144467