The Federal Government has commended rice processor groups supported by the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) following their receipt of the prestigious African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Award, describing the achievement as a testament to the impact of sustained investments in agricultural value addition and quality assurance.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, said the recognition underscores the importance of quality standards in building a competitive and resilient agricultural sector.

According to him, the VCDP has played a critical role in promoting market-oriented production, improving processing practices, and strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers and agro-processors across the country.

He noted that quality has become a key requirement for market access, consumer trust, food safety, and long-term business sustainability, stressing that the award-winning processor groups have demonstrated that rural enterprises can thrive when provided with the right support systems.

Ogunbiyi praised the rice processors from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State for their commitment to producing high-quality rice that meets recognized African standards.

He also acknowledged the contribution of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), noting that the partnership has continued to improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities for thousands of rural households.

“The success recorded by these processor groups validates the investments made in training, processing infrastructure, business development, market access, and standards compliance. These interventions have strengthened productivity, improved product quality, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased incomes,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary further stated that the achievement aligns with the ministry’s goal of transforming agriculture into a modern, commercially viable sector capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national food security.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, who represented the Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond consumption and become a leading producer of high-quality goods that can compete globally.

For IFAD, the award serves as evidence of what is possible when smallholder farmers and processors are empowered with the right resources and opportunities.

Represented by Country Programme Officer, Mrs. Chioma Adiele-Okpara, IFAD Country Director Mrs. Dede Ekoue said the recognition reflects ongoing efforts to transform rural producers into profitable and sustainable enterprises.

She noted that the Africa Quality Mark Certification would open doors to larger markets, strengthen consumer confidence in locally produced goods, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products within and beyond the continent.

Ekoue reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting farmers, processors, cooperatives, and rural enterprises, describing smallholder farmers as innovators, entrepreneurs, and critical contributors to Nigeria’s food systems.

Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, said the African Quality Mark provides assurance that certified products meet harmonized continental standards for quality, safety, reliability, and performance.

He explained that common standards are essential for reducing trade barriers across Africa and enabling products to move more easily across borders under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

National Programme Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, described the award as a proud moment for all stakeholders involved in the programme.

She said the honoured processor groups had distinguished themselves through dedication to quality, food safety, and best processing practices, adding that their success demonstrates the effectiveness of VCDP interventions in capacity development, technology adoption, business growth, and market integration.

One of the award recipients, Rachael Adamu of Kpatsuwa Women Rice Processing Group Mokwa, highlighted the transformative impact of the programme on her business.

According to her, the group’s rice processing capacity has increased from approximately five tonnes to 15 tonnes since joining the programme, while demand for their products has expanded beyond Niger State to markets in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Lagos.

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who urged Nigerian businesses to prioritize quality standards, noting that competitiveness in today’s marketplace depends not only on quantity but also on product quality.

The ARSO Quality Mark Award is one of Africa’s leading quality assurance recognitions, promoting adherence to harmonized standards and encouraging excellence in production, processing, and service delivery across the continent.

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