No fewer than 131 Nigerian companies have received the Africa Quality Mark (AQM). This certification helps their products gain wider acceptance in African markets. It also positions them to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The certification was presented at an event in Abuja. The ceremony had government officials, industry players, and representatives from the African Organisation for Standardization (ARSO). It is expected to boost Nigerian products' competitiveness. It will also reduce trade barriers and improve the country’s export chances across Africa.
At the event in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, spoke about the recognition of these companies. She said it shows that Nigerian products can meet continental standards and compete across borders.
Oduwole mentioned that this certification is more than just a quality check. She called it a sign of a growing culture of quality and competitiveness in Nigeria. She also highlighted the resilience and innovation of Nigerian manufacturers. They keep raising standards and building the country’s industrial base, despite tough economic conditions.
She stated that the Federal Government is dedicated to policies that support industrial growth, export expansion, and local value addition. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. "We are creating an enabling environment that drives investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. Our vision is clear: Nigeria must transition from a consumption-driven economy to a leading production and export hub for Africa," she said.
The minister emphasized that as the AfCFTA moves forward, African countries need to move from fragmented markets to a more unified and competitive economy.
The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, called the certification program a significant step in improving product quality and boosting export competitiveness. He stressed that having standardised regulations is crucial as African nations work to deepen economic ties through the AfCFTA.
According to him, having different standards and certification rules across countries often creates problems for manufacturers looking to export. He pointed out that the Africa Quality Mark helps solve this issue by offering a common framework for production and quality assurance.
"What this means is that the companies receiving the Africa Quality Mark today are no longer limited to the Nigerian market. They now have access to the broader African market. We now have one standard, one market, and a common framework for quality assessment," Okeke said.
He added that SON will keep supporting manufacturers through developing standards, factory inspections, product testing, certification, and market surveillance. These efforts aim to improve quality and boost industrial competitiveness.
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