The Nigerian Government has commended rice processing groups from Niger State for earning the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards.
The certification recognises products that meet quality and food safety standards across Africa.
The award presentation, organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), honoured outstanding processors from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas.
The groups are supported by the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, described the achievement as proof that smallholder-based enterprises would compete successfully when empowered with the right knowledge, skills, infrastructure, and support.
“Today, we celebrate excellence, innovation, commitment to quality, and the remarkable achievements of rural agribusiness entrepreneurs,” Dr. Ogunbiyi said.
“The recognition reflects their hard work, discipline, and resolve to produce rice that meets continental standards.”
The Permanent Secretary stressed that quality is no longer optional in today’s competitive agricultural ecosystem, noting that “it is a prerequisite for market access, consumer confidence, food safety, and sustainable business growth.”
He revealed that through the VCDP, the Federal Government has consistently promoted value addition, quality assurance, and market-oriented production among smallholder farmers and agro-processors.
Dr. Ogunbiyi highlighted that investments in capacity building, processing infrastructure, business development services, market linkages, and adherence to standards have empowered rural enterprises to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance productivity and quality, as well as increase incomes.
He pointed out that the success aligns with the present Administration’s broader agenda of transforming Nigeria’s agriculture into a modern, resilient, and commercially viable sector capable of ensuring food security, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
The Permanent Secretary charged the award recipients to serve as ambassadors of quality and best practice within their communities and across the value chain.
In her remarks, VCDP’s National Programme Coordinator, Dr Fatima Aliyu, expressed joy at the five processing groups that received the African certification of standards, noting that the Programme would ensure that more processors receive the certification.
Also speaking at the event, IFAD Country Director in Nigeria, Ms. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, represented by Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, congratulated the women processing groups on this remarkable achievement.
The ARSO Quality Mark is one of Africa’s leading quality assurance recognitions, issued by the African Organisation for Standardisation.
It encourages enterprises to consistently adhere to harmonised standards and best practices in production and service delivery, facilitating trade under the AfCFTA.
