Niger Rice Processors Win Prestigious African Quality Certification as FG, IFAD Celebrate Agribusiness Success

By Pan Afric Reporters

In a major boost for Nigeria’s agricultural sector and continental trade aspirations, rice processor groups from Niger State supported by the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have received the prestigious African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards, earning recognition for meeting internationally accepted food safety and quality standards.

The recognition, which underscores the growing competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, was conferred during an award ceremony organized by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abuja, where outstanding rice processors from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas were honoured for excellence in production and quality assurance.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head, Department of Information, on June 5, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described the achievement as a powerful demonstration of what rural agribusinesses can accomplish when equipped with the right support, infrastructure, and technical expertise.

“Today, we celebrate excellence, innovation, commitment to quality, and the remarkable achievements of rural agribusiness entrepreneurs,” Ogunbiyi said.

“The recognition reflects their hard work, discipline, and resolve to produce rice that meets continental standards.”

He emphasized that quality assurance has become a critical requirement for success in modern agriculture, noting that it is no longer optional for producers seeking access to regional and international markets.

“Quality is a prerequisite for market access, consumer confidence, food safety, and sustainable business growth,” he stated.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the award-winning processors benefited from interventions under the Federal Government and IFAD-backed Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), which focuses on strengthening agricultural productivity, value addition, processing capacity, and market access for smallholder farmers and agribusiness operators.

He explained that investments in training, processing infrastructure, business development services, market linkages, and standards compliance have significantly improved productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased incomes among participating communities.

Ogunbiyi further linked the success to the broader agricultural transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at achieving food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

“As a Ministry, we remain committed to backing initiatives that strengthen agricultural value chains, promote standards compliance, facilitate access to markets, and encourage agribusiness competitiveness,” he said.

He noted that adherence to quality standards would position Nigerian agricultural products to benefit from opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area and enhance the country’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

“We believe that quality assurance is a critical pathway to unlocking opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area and positioning Nigerian agricultural products favourably in regional and international markets,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria for promoting quality standards and consumer protection, while acknowledging IFAD’s continued support in transforming the livelihoods of rural farmers and agro-processors across the country.

He challenged the award recipients to become ambassadors of excellence within their communities and across the agricultural value chain.

“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,” Ogunbiyi said.

“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, I congratulate all the awardees. Your success is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and a collective resolve for excellence.”

In her remarks, Fatima Aliyu expressed delight over the certification of the processing groups and assured that the programme would continue supporting more processors to attain similar international standards.

Also speaking, Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, represented by Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, congratulated the women-led processing groups for their remarkable achievement and reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to strengthening agribusiness development in Nigeria.

The ARSO Quality Mark is one of Africa’s most respected quality assurance certifications, awarded by the African Organisation for Standardisation to enterprises that consistently comply with harmonized production standards and best practices. The certification is designed to facilitate intra-African trade and enhance market access under the AfCFTA framework.

Industry observers say the recognition represents another significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build globally competitive agricultural value chains and empower rural enterprises to participate effectively in continental and international markets.