The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has praised the cassava processing centres established under the International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Enugu State for maintaining hygiene and quality standards.
SON officials conducted inspections at facilities in Ako Nike, Enugu East LGA, and Umueze Umaga Ezimo-Agu, Udenu LGA.
During the visit on Thursday, the State Coordinator of SON, Mr. Peter Ameh, represented by Assistant Chief Standards Officer Dr. Rita Frank-Makwe, noted that while the centres largely adhered to required standards, some areas—such as labelling—still needed improvement.
He said, “The centres demonstrate good hygienic and manufacturing practices. We appreciate the efforts of IFAD-VCDP in supporting these projects.”
Ameh added that SON would carry out laboratory analyses of the products to confirm full compliance with all relevant standards. He encouraged farmers and processors to collaborate with the agency to ensure that products consumed by the public are wholesome and free from adulteration.
“Our role is not to punish, but to guide producers so that Nigeria can enjoy safe, high-quality agricultural products,” he explained.
The SON coordinator also highlighted the organisation’s capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping farmers align their operations with national and international standards. He stressed that SON certification requires proper production facilities, adherence to hygienic and safety practices, documentation, quality assurance, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Dr. Edward Isiwu, IFAD-VCDP Enugu State Project Coordinator, represented by Business and Market Development Officer Mr. Arinze Omeje, noted that the inspection underscored IFAD’s commitment to supporting farmers in meeting both national and global benchmarks. He commended Governor Peter Mbah for backing the programme and highlighted that IFAD-VCDP has partnered with SON for over three years to provide training for farmers.
Isiwu explained that most processing centres were funded by IFAD-VCDP, with beneficiaries contributing roughly 10 per cent, usually through land provision. “We provide complete facilities including water and solar power, ensuring farmers spend less while maximizing profits. All centres will be certified by SON and, where possible, other agencies,” he said.
A local farmer, Mr. Chijioke Ogbonna, thanked both IFAD-VCDP and SON for their support and pledged to implement the recommendations provided for standardisation and certification.