NEW YORK, June 2, 2008 – ASME and the Standards Organization of Nigeria today formed an agreement that would enable both organizations to play a joint role in the development of standards and conformity assessment programs beneficial to the Nigerian national economy.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in New York City, ASME and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) have established a cooperative information exchange that aims to further the development and use of national standards furthering economic growth, industrial safety, and environmental protection throughout Nigeria.

The organizations agree to draw on ASME’s expertise in standardization to develop applicable standards programs in Nigeria.  ASME has been involved in standardization throughout the Society’s 128-year history, having developed codes and standards addressing power systems, elevators and escalators, pipelines, and many other mechanical systems and components.   

The agreement also calls for ASME and SON to avoid duplication of efforts in standards development, and promote the use of ASME standards and conformity assessment in national regulations in Nigeria.  For its part, SON has agreed to promote the value of ASME codes and standards and conformity assessment programs to regulatory groups in Nigeria.

The agreement also authorizes SON to be an authorized provider of ASME training courses in areas covered by codes and standards.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.  ASME has more than 127,000 members worldwide.

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