The Federal Government has presented the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Award to selected rice processor groups supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
Recognition for Excellence
The processor groups, hailing from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State, were recognized for their exceptional commitment to quality, food safety, and standards compliance. Through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to embrace best practices, they have achieved a level of excellence that has earned them continental recognition.
Minister's Remarks
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, while presenting the certification to the FGN/IFAD-VCDP processor groups yesterday in Abuja, emphasized the need for Nigeria to move from consumption to production of high-quality goods that adhere to global quality standards. The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Isolpunwu, stated that with high-quality products, Nigeria has a bigger opportunity to access the African market, with its products competing favorably with others on the continent. He assured that the federal government will continue to pursue reforms to ensure and encourage more companies to obtain the African Quality Mark certification for their products.
IFAD's Perspective
The Country Director of IFAD, Dede Ekoue, stated that the certification is not only a recognition of compliance with quality standards but also a recognition of hard work, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the growing capacity of rural women to compete successfully in formal markets. This achievement perfectly reflects the FGN-IFAD Country Strategy Opportunity Program (COSOP) with the vision of transforming smallholder farmers and rural producers from subsistence operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness entrepreneurs. She further mentioned that across Nigeria, IFAD-supported programmes are investing in the capacities of farmers, processors, cooperatives, and rural enterprises to increase productivity, add value, improve market access, and generate decent incomes. She commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Government of Niger State, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as the implementing agency of VCDP, VCDP National and State Program Implementation Teams, community leaders, and all stakeholders who have contributed to creating an enabling environment for rural women to succeed.
Programme Coordinator's Statement
The National Programme Coordinator of FGN IFAD VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, mentioned that the five groups are all local farmers and processors from Niger State. She said the state is one of the nine states under the VCDP in the country. She stated, “Our goal has always been to transform smallholder farmers and processors from subsistence-level operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness enterprises capable of competing in local, regional, and international markets.” She added, “Quality is no longer an option in today’s agricultural marketplace; it is a necessity. Consumers are increasingly demanding safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products. To access premium markets and maximize value from agricultural production, processors must consistently adhere to recognized standards and quality assurance systems.”
SON's Commitment
The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, stated that with the quality certification, their products will not be limited to Nigeria but will have access to the African space. He said SON is committed to improving standards of products made in Nigeria to ensure competitiveness and open regional markets through improved production quality to meet African demands. He assured that SON will continue to collaborate with producers to improve standards, encourage consumer acceptance, and strengthen made-in-Nigeria products within the African continent to bolster industrial development and quality control.
Goodwill Message
Dr. Umar Ganduje, former Governor of Kano, in his goodwill message, noted the need for companies to maintain standards in production. He said quantity is not a problem in Nigeria with a large population, but quality is key.
Beneficiary's Reaction
A recipient of the award, Mrs. Rachel Adamu, a VCDP beneficiary from Kpatsuwa Women Rice Processing Group in Mokwa LGA, Niger State, expressed happiness at the award, saying it means a lot as it will create more market opportunities through its quality. She assured that the group will continue to produce more and quality rice capable of acceptance.
Export Expansion Adviser's Remarks
Bunu Sherif, Special Adviser to the President on Export Expansion, commended the awardees and stressed the need to do more to maintain standards.
