● Minister Oduwole: “Quality is no longer optional” as SON, ARSO certify manufacturers
No fewer than 131 Nigerian companies have received the Africa Quality Mark, AQM, a continental certification designed to boost acceptance of Nigerian products across African markets and strengthen participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
The certification was presented in Abuja at a ceremony attended by government officials, industry stakeholders and representatives of the African Organisation for Standardization, ARSO.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the achievement as proof that Nigerian-made products can meet continental quality standards and compete regionally.
According to her, the certification reflects Nigeria’s growing culture of quality assurance, industrialisation and competitiveness. She commended the firms for showing resilience despite economic challenges, noting the recognition would strengthen the country’s industrial base and export potential.
Oduwole said government remains committed to policies that promote industrial growth, local value addition and export expansion under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “Our vision is to transform Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy into a leading production and export hub for Africa,” she said.
The minister stressed that market access alone is insufficient without products that meet recognised standards. “Quality is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Consumers and trading partners want products that meet high standards of safety, reliability and performance,” she said.
She explained that AQM serves as a symbol of trust, assuring buyers that certified products comply with harmonised African standards. Oduwole urged the companies to increase production capacity and leverage the wider market. “You are now ambassadors of quality. The challenge is to maintain these standards, expand production and inspire other manufacturers,” she added.
Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, said the programme marks a milestone in improving product quality and export competitiveness. He noted differing national standards often create trade barriers, but AQM provides a common framework for easier market access.
“The companies receiving this certification today are no longer limited to the Nigerian market. They now have access to a broader African market built on harmonised standards and quality assurance,” Okeke said. SON will continue supporting manufacturers through testing, certification, factory inspections and standards development.
ARSO Secretary-General, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, said standards are critical to the success of continental trade agreements. “Standards provide the assurance that products are safe and fit for purpose. They are essential for building trust and facilitating trade across borders,” he said.
He noted AQM gives certified companies credibility and access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people, positioning them to compete more effectively within Africa. Nsengimana commended Nigeria’s commitment to standardisation, saying the country ranks among those with the highest number of certified products on the continent.
The event ended with certificates presented to the 131 companies, marking a step in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen manufacturing and expand intra-African trade.
