131 Nigerian firms get Africa quality mark

No fewer than 131 Nigerian companies have secured the Africa Quality Mark (AQM), a continental certification that gives their products wider acceptance across African markets and positions them to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The certification, presented at a ceremony in Abuja attended by government officials, industry stakeholders […]

No fewer than 131 Nigerian companies have secured the Africa Quality Mark (AQM), a continental certification that gives their products wider acceptance across African markets and positions them to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The certification, presented at a ceremony in Abuja attended by government officials, industry stakeholders and representatives of the African Organisation for Standardization (ARSO), is expected to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian products, reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance the country’s export prospects across the continent.

Speaking at the event in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the recognition of the companies was evidence that products made in Nigeria could meet continental standards and compete successfully across borders.

Oduwole said the certification went beyond a mere quality assessment exercise, describing it as a reflection of the emergence of a stronger culture of quality, competitiveness and industrialisation in Nigeria.

According to her, the achievement underscores the resilience, innovation and determination of Nigerian manufacturers who continue to improve standards and strengthen the country’s industrial base despite prevailing economic challenges.

She said the Federal Government remained committed to implementing policies that support industrial expansion, export growth and local value addition in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“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 noted that as implementation of the AfCFTA gathers momentum, African countries must move beyond fragmented markets towards a more integrated and competitive continental economy.

Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, described the certification programme as a major milestone in the country’s drive to improve product quality and enhance export competitiveness.

He said harmonised standards have become increasingly important as African countries seek to deepen economic integration through the AfCFTA.

According to him, the existence of different standards and certification requirements across countries often creates obstacles for manufacturers seeking to export their products.

He noted that the Africa Quality Mark addresses this challenge by providing a unified framework for production, quality assurance and market acceptance.

“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 would continue to support manufacturers through standards development, factory inspections, product testing, certification and market surveillance activities aimed at improving quality and industrial competitiveness.