Trade Ministry Targets Stronger Quality Control Systems

(JUBA) – The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang Juuk, on Wednesday visited the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) in Juba to assess ongoing work towards strengthening the agency’s operations.

Hon. Atong was accompanied by her technical advisor, the ministry’s undersecretary, legal advisors and directors general. She was welcomed at the Bureau’s headquarters by the Executive Director of SSNBS, Hon. Gloria Nyoka, and senior management.

The Minister toured several operational units, including the Central Laboratory and the Metrology Department, observing procedures and interacting with technical staff. The visit concluded with an official reception at the SSNBS headquarters.

A staff representative, speaking on behalf of all employees, thanked the Minister for her visit and expressed appreciation for her leadership. The representative also reaffirmed the staff’s commitment to advancing the Bureau’s national responsibilities under the guidance of Executive Director Nyoka.

During the reception, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Hon. Ustaz Yel Luol Koor, emphasised the vital role of SSNBS in safeguarding consumer safety through quality assurance and conformity assessment. He described the Bureau as “the eye of the nation,” stressing its importance in protecting public health and safety.

Hon. Gloria Nyoka, in her address, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and reiterated SSNBS’s commitment to maintaining high national standards. She highlighted several achievements of the Bureau, while also pointing out key challenges, such as the need for improved technical capacity, better laboratory infrastructure and enhanced staff welfare.

She appealed for continued government support to strengthen the Bureau’s operations, noting that investing in standards and quality systems was essential for public safety and environmental protection. She said the agency remains committed to achieving its mission of promoting safe and high-quality goods and services in South Sudan.

In her closing remarks, Minister Atong praised the SSNBS leadership and staff for their professionalism and technical competence. She commended the agency for its pivotal role in securing national interests by ensuring conformity to safety and quality standards.

She pledged that the Ministry will continue to support SSNBS through modernisation efforts, including upgrading laboratories, expanding institutional capacity and addressing long standing operational challenges. These investments, she said, are key to increasing public confidence and attracting investors to the South Sudanese market.

The Minister concluded her visit by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with SSNBS to strengthen its national mandate and ensure its effective service to citizens.

The SSNBS is the national agency responsible for standardisation, conformity assessment, and quality control in South Sudan. It plays a central role in consumer protection, product certificationand ensuring goods and services meet acceptable safety levels, contributing to national security, public health and economic development.