Officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, SON and IFAD present ARSO Quality Mark Awards to rice processing groups from Niger State in Abuja.
The Federal Government has praised rice processing groups in Niger State for securing the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards, a certification that recognises products that meet continental food safety and quality standards.
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.
A statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna Head, Department of Information, says the award-winning groups received support from the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, said the achievement demonstrates that smallholder agro-processors can compete in regional markets when they receive adequate training, infrastructure and technical support.
“Today, we celebrate excellence, innovation, commitment to quality, and the remarkable achievements of rural agribusiness entrepreneurs,” Ogunbiyi said.
He noted that the recognition reflects the processors’ determination to produce rice that meets African quality standards.
Ogunbiyi stressed that quality assurance has become essential in agriculture because it strengthens food safety, boosts consumer confidence and improves market access.
According to him, the Federal Government has continued to promote value addition and market-oriented production through the VCDP.
He said investments in training, processing facilities, business support services and market linkages have helped rural processors increase productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes.
The Permanent Secretary linked the achievement to the Federal Government’s broader efforts to build a resilient and commercially viable agricultural sector capable of improving food security, creating jobs and driving economic growth.
“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.
Ogunbiyi also commended SON for promoting quality standards and consumer protection, while acknowledging IFAD’s continued support for rural farming and processing communities.
He urged the award recipients to maintain high standards and encourage best practices 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,” he added.
VCDP National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, described the certification of the five processing groups as a major milestone and expressed confidence that more processors would benefit from the programme.
Also speaking, IFAD Country Director in Nigeria, Ms. Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, represented by Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, congratulated the women processing groups for achieving the continental certification.
The ARSO Quality Mark recognises enterprises that comply with harmonised production and quality standards across Africa and supports trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
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