The Federal Government has commended rice processor groups from Niger State for earning the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards, a certification recognizing products that meet quality and food safety standards across Africa.
The award presentation, organized 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, recently, 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.
“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,” Dr. Ogunbiyi said.
According to him, “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 extended appreciation to SON for organizing the award presentation and for its dedication to promoting quality standards and consumer protection in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged IFAD’s partnership, stating that its assistance continues to transform the lives and livelihoods of thousands of rural farming and processing households across the country.
The Permanent Secretary charged the award recipients to serve as ambassadors of quality and best practice within their communities and across the value chain.
He urged farmers and processor groups to embrace best practices, maintain high standards, and pursue continuous improvement.
“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.
“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,” he stressed.
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 harmonized standards and best practices in production and service delivery, facilitating trade under the AfCFTA.
Ezeaja Ikemefuna
Head, Department of Information
4/6/2026
