As part of its welding education and workforce development projects, the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) has concluded plans to hold its first workshop on ISO 3834 Manufacturer Certification System.

The Institute in a statement said that ISO 3834 is a globally-recognized certification system for companies in the manufacturing sector that lifts local manufacturers to the global scene. It also noted that ISO 3834 has not only placed local training bodies on the global scene but has led to the development and global acknowledgement of in-country welding personnel who are today engaged in different coordination levels on major projects.

As part of its welding education and workforce development projects, the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) has concluded plans to hold its first workshop on ISO 3834 Manufacturer Certification System.

The Institute in a statement said that ISO 3834 is a globally-recognized certification system for companies in the manufacturing sector that lifts local manufacturers to the global scene. It also noted that ISO 3834 has not only placed local training bodies on the global scene but has led to the development and global acknowledgement of in-country welding personnel who are today engaged in different coordination levels on major projects.

“The IIW MCS ISO 3834 programme is progressing rapidly in terms of acceptance in the industry, globally and the number of certified companies growing into thousands.  The active publicity and promotion of the IIW ISO 3834 system, meets all internationalization development benchmarks for companies in Nigeria and the requirement of product quality improvement.

“Companies have come to realise that ISO 3834 certification can bring benefits and more opportunities for them. A series of international cooperation platforms have also been set up to provide services to meet the requirements for international cooperation. Little wonder Chinese companies are breaking grounds globally.”

The statement further noted that ISO 3834 MCS systems would address the current unpleasant situation where companies compete and choke themselves over a shrinking number of local projects, assuring that “they will be better equipped to access projects beyond the Nigerian shores.”

“It is a system that guarantees consistent quality beyond location or personality. The process is rigorous just like the ISO 14731 personnel qualification system. We have come to understand the detailed requirements and determined to drive its implementation for the monumental benefits it portends for local players in the Nigerian and West African industry.

“The implication of this development is that with the rising need for welding personnel in the growing oil and gas fields across Africa. This is in addition to the recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the need is becoming more urgent to adopt a truly global and harmonised scheme for the management and assessment of manufacturing activities in Africa.

“South Africa has piloted this scheme and ESKOM, Arcelor Mittal and SASOL are now specifying this as a requirement to their suppliers. The legislation of these global requirements has also been a key driver to its success in South Africa. It is hoped that Nigeria will follow behind with the series of seminars and workshops in the pipeline to increase awareness.”

The NIW noted that invitations would be sent to all major stakeholding organisations to discuss, understand, benefits and factor a way to embrace the scheme for the competitive edge it guarantees.