The Federal Government has urged Nigerian manufacturers to embrace quality-driven production and position the country as a leading producer and exporter within Africa.
This is as 131 companies with 220 products from 23 states received the African Quality Mark (AQM) certification.
Speaking at the presentation of the AQM, developed by the African Regional Standards Organisation (ARSO), in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a production and export-led economy.
He noted that the Federal Government remains committed to industrial expansion, economic growth and local value addition through policies that create an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
According to him, the certification demonstrates the resilience and commitment of Nigerian manufacturers to raising standards, increasing consumer confidence and producing goods capable of competing favourably across the African continent.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON and ARSO for ensuring that manufacturers comply with standards that guarantee safety, trust and reliability in products made in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Director-General of SON, Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, described standards harmonisation as critical to enhancing trade and market acceptance of Nigerian products across Africa.
He said the certification would open wider opportunities for Nigerian manufacturers, noting that products bearing the African Quality Mark would enjoy greater acceptance beyond Nigeria’s borders.
In her reaction, the National Programme Coordinator of the Federal Government/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr Fatima Aliyu, expressed delight that five local rice processor groups from Niger State emerged among the recipients of the certification.
She described the recognition as a significant achievement for local farmers and processors under the programme and assured them of continued support to expand their market opportunities.
“We are proud that these women and processors can stand shoulder to shoulder with organisations that have sophisticated processing facilities. We will continue to support them and provide platforms that will help them grow,” she said.
Also speaking, the Niger State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Hajiya Hadizat Isah, described the certification as proof that years of investment in training farmers and processors on global best practices had paid off.
