By: Julian Osamoto
Rice processing groups in Niger State have received the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards, reinforcing the Federal Government’s push to improve food safety standards and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional agricultural markets.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) presented the awards to processor groups from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati and Kontagora Local Government Areas during a ceremony in Abuja.
The beneficiaries are supported under the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-backed Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the recognition showed that rural agro-processors could compete across Africa when given the right support, training and infrastructure.
“Today, we celebrate excellence, innovation, commitment to quality, and the remarkable achievements of rural agribusiness entrepreneurs,” Ogunbiyi said.
Hard work, discipline
He noted that the award reflected the processors’ “hard work, discipline, and resolve to produce rice that meets continental standards.”
A statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna Head, Department of Information, says Ogunbiyi stressed that quality standards have become critical in agriculture because they determine market access, food safety, consumer confidence and long-term business sustainability.
According to him, the Federal Government has continued to promote value addition, quality assurance and market-driven production through the VCDP.
He said investments in training, processing facilities, market access and business support services have helped rural processors improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes.
Agricultural reform agenda
The Permanent Secretary linked the achievement to the Federal Government’s broader agricultural reform agenda aimed at improving food security, creating jobs and expanding agribusiness opportunities.
“We believe that quality assurance is a critical pathway to unlocking opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and positioning Nigerian agricultural products favorably in regional and international markets,” he said.
IFAD’s support
Ogunbiyi also commended SON for promoting quality standards and consumer protection, while acknowledging IFAD’s support in improving the livelihoods of rural farming and processing communities.
He urged the award recipients to maintain high standards and serve as ambassadors of quality production within their communities.
“To our development partners, private sector stakeholders, and government institutions, I urge us all to sustain our collaboration in building an agricultural sector that is productive, inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive,” he added.
VCDP National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, described the certification of the five processing groups as a major milestone and expressed optimism that more processors would benefit from the programme.
Also speaking, IFAD Country Director in Nigeria, Dede Ekoue, represented by Chioma Adiele-Okpara, congratulated the women processing groups for achieving the continental certification.
The ARSO Quality Mark is a continental certification issued by the African Organisation for Standardisation to enterprises that comply with harmonised quality and production standards across Africa. The certification is expected to support trade and market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
