Five rice processor groups from Niger State supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) have received the prestigious African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Award in recognition of their commitment to quality assurance, food safety and standards compliance.
The award, facilitated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) recognises enterprises whose products consistently meet approved African standards and demonstrate excellence in production and processing. The beneficiaries were drawn from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Speaking during the award ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described the achievement as evidence that smallholder-based enterprises can compete successfully when provided with the right support infrastructure and market opportunities. He noted that quality has become essential for market access, consumer confidence, food safety and sustainable business growth.
According to Ogunbiyi, the VCDP has continued to promote value addition standards compliance and market-oriented production through investments in capacity building processing infrastructure, business development services and market linkages. He added that such interventions have improved productivity, reduced post-harvest losses and increased incomes for rural processors.
The National Programme Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, described the certification as a landmark achievement for the women processors. She said the programme’s goal has always been to transform smallholder farmers and processors from subsistence operators into profitable and sustainable agribusiness enterprises capable of competing in local regional and international markets.
Aliyu noted that the certification would open export opportunities across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), adding that the quality of the products from the beneficiaries can compete favourably anywhere on the continent. She further disclosed that the VCDP currently operates in 63 local government areas across nine states including Niger, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi.
Also speaking, IFAD Country Director in Nigeria, Ms. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, represented by Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, said the certification represents not only compliance with standards but also recognition of the hard work, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of rural women processors. She said the achievement demonstrates the impact of IFAD-supported interventions in strengthening agribusinesses, improving product quality and promoting inclusive economic growth.
The Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, stated that the quality certification would enable the products to gain wider acceptance across Africa and improve the competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products.
Representing the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Permanent Secretary Dr. Chris Isokpunwu stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond consumption and become a producer of high-quality goods capable of competing in continental markets.
One of the award recipients, Mrs. Rachael Ahmed (also reported as Rachael Adamu) of the Kpatsuwa Women Rice Processing Group in Mokwa Local Government Area, expressed appreciation for the support received under the VCDP. She revealed that the intervention helped increase the group’s processing capacity from five metric tonnes to 15 metric tonnes and expressed confidence that the recognition would create greater market opportunities for their products.
The ARSO Quality Mark is one of Africa’s foremost quality assurance certifications and is designed to encourage enterprises to adhere to harmonised standards while promoting trade within the continent. The recognition is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian rice products and position rural women-led enterprises for expanded access to regional markets.
