Abuja, June 4, 2026 – A total of 220 products manufactured by 131 Nigerian companies have been awarded the Africa Quality Mark (AQM) certification, a development aimed at boosting the acceptance and competitiveness of locally made goods across African markets.
The certificates were presented during a ceremony organised by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, described the achievement as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and export ambitions.
According to her, the certification reflects the growing commitment of Nigerian manufacturers to quality assurance, industrial excellence and competitiveness.
She noted that the honoured companies had demonstrated that Nigerian-made products can satisfy continental quality requirements, compete effectively in regional markets and gain the trust of consumers across Africa.
Oduwole said the recognition symbolises more than a quality endorsement, stressing that it represents the steady growth of a culture built on high standards, innovation and industrial discipline.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies that encourage industrial growth, value addition and export expansion in line with the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
The minister added that Nigeria was positioning itself as a leading production and export hub on the continent, moving beyond a largely consumption-driven economy.
She observed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) had opened up vast opportunities for businesses but emphasised that companies must consistently meet recognised standards to fully benefit from the agreement.
According to her, quality has become an essential requirement for market access, as consumers and trading partners increasingly demand products that meet strict safety, reliability and performance benchmarks.
Oduwole described the Africa Quality Mark, developed by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), as a trusted symbol that assures consumers of compliance with harmonised continental standards.
She said the certification would provide manufacturers with greater access to markets across Africa while enhancing confidence in Nigerian products.
The minister pledged continued support for strengthening the nation’s quality infrastructure through improved standards development, testing, certification, inspection, accreditation and metrology systems.
She noted that these measures remain vital to industrial development, consumer protection and the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.
Oduwole also commended SON for its efforts in promoting quality assurance and standardisation, while acknowledging ARSO’s role in advancing harmonised standards across the continent.
She urged the certified companies to maintain the quality levels that earned them recognition and increase production capacity to take advantage of expanding opportunities within Africa’s growing market.
Also speaking, Mrs Chioma Okpara, who represented the Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dede Ekoue, said the achievement highlighted the impact of investments in smallholder farmers, processors and rural enterprises.
She noted that several women-led businesses supported under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) were among the beneficiaries and expressed confidence that the certification would improve market access, strengthen consumer trust and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Standards Council of Nigeria, Mr Yahuza Inuwa, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Prof. Samson Duna, emphasised the importance of standards in driving trade across Africa.
He said harmonised standards and conformity assessment systems would help address issues related to product safety, market acceptance and competitiveness throughout the continent.
Duna disclosed that Nigeria currently ranks highest among participating countries in terms of the number of products and companies certified under the Africa Quality Mark scheme.
He encouraged more manufacturers to adopt quality certification as a strategic tool for expanding trade opportunities and accelerating industrial development across Africa.
The Africa Quality Mark is a continental certification programme established by ARSO to encourage compliance with harmonised African standards and support seamless trade under the AfCFTA framework.