The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commended five rice processing groups from Niger State for earning the prestigious African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Awards, describing the achievement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to improve agricultural quality standards and competitiveness across Africa.
The award presentation, organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abuja, recognised outstanding rice processors from Borgu, Mokwa, Edati and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s head of the information department, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the beneficiaries are supported under the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the recognition demonstrates that smallholder-based agribusiness enterprises can successfully compete in regional and international markets when provided with adequate support, knowledge and infrastructure.
He noted that the award reflects the commitment of rural entrepreneurs to producing rice that meets continental quality and food safety standards, adding that quality assurance has become indispensable in Today’s competitive agricultural sector.
According to him, through the VCDP, the Federal Government has continued to promote value addition, quality assurance and market-oriented production among smallholder farmers and agro-processors. He said investments in capacity building, processing infrastructure, business development services and market linkages have enabled rural enterprises to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase incomes.
Ogunbiyi said the achievement aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of transforming agriculture into a modern, resilient and commercially viable sector capable of guaranteeing food security, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen agricultural value chains, encourage compliance with standards and improve access to markets. He added that quality assurance remains a critical pathway for unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and positioning Nigerian agricultural products competitively in regional and global markets.
The Permanent Secretary also praised SON for its role in promoting quality standards and consumer protection, while acknowledging IFAD’s continued support in improving the livelihoods of thousands of rural farming and processing households across the country.
He urged the award recipients to serve as ambassadors of quality and best practices within their communities and encouraged farmers and processors to maintain high production standards and pursue continuous improvement.
He said, “Today, we celebrate excellence, innovation, commitment to quality, and the remarkable achievements of rural agribusiness entrepreneurs. The recognition reflects their hard work, discipline, and resolve to produce rice that meets continental standards.”
Quality is no longer optional. It is a prerequisite for market access, consumer confidence, food safety, and sustainable business growth.
“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.
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”.
Also speaking, the National Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu, expressed delight over the certification of the five processing groups and assured that the programme would continue to support more processors in attaining international quality standards.
Representing IFAD Country Director in Nigeria, Ms Dede Ahoefa Ekoue, Mrs Chioma Adiele-Okpara congratulated the women-led processing groups on their achievement, describing the certification as a testament to their dedication and commitment to excellence.
