SON Unveils Strategies to Boost Nigeria’s Agro-Exports, Minimising Rejection through Strict Standards Compliance
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating Nigeria’s agro-export sector by addressing the persistent challenges of product rejection due to non-compliance with international standards.
At the 2024 CHINET Aviacargo Conference, Engr. Akinwale Ayodele, Head of the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) Division at SON, delivered an insightful presentation on the organisation’s role in ensuring the quality and acceptability of Nigerian agricultural exports on the global stage.
Engr. Ayodele began by providing a brief overview of the SON, which was established in 1971 as the apex standards development body in Nigeria and operating as a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
He described SON’s core functions to include developing standards to ensure the quality of products and services within Nigeria and for export, conducting inspections, laboratory testing, and measurements to guarantee product quality, and issuing SON certificates, logos, and marks of quality, such as those under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).
SON also represents Nigeria on international standardisation bodies like the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the Codex Alimentarius, among others.
These affiliations, according to Ayodele, enhance Nigeria’s global standing in standards compliance and facilitate access to international markets.
Addressing the specific challenges facing Nigeria’s agro-export sector, Ayodele highlighted the frequent rejection of agricultural products due to substandard practices.
He outlined SON’s strategic interventions designed to minimise these rejections. Key among these is the development and enforcement of standards for agricultural products, providing certification (such as product type certificates for export) and training for farmers and exporters on quality control and standards practices.
SON’s proactive measures include conducting inspections to ensure compliance with standards, collaborating with other regulatory agencies to streamline export procedures, and establishing testing laboratories to ensure that products meet international standards.
Ayodele also emphasised the promotion of Quality Management Systems, such as ISO 9001, among farmers and exporters to enhance the quality and consistency of agro-products.
To further address the challenges in agro-exports, Ayodele proposed several solutions, including the digitisation of the certification process through platforms like eMANCAP and the Product Identification Scheme (PID).
He called for clear guidelines and training on standard requirements, enhanced collaboration with stakeholders – including farmers, exporters, and government agencies – and the establishment of a robust complaint resolution mechanism.
Regarding procedures to reduce agro-product rejections, Ayodele said the Organisation advocates for strict compliance with Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) or international standards such as ISO and Codex Alimentarius.
Engr. Ayodele stressed the importance of implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regular product testing and inspections, using certified inputs like seeds and fertilisers, and ensuring proper packaging, labelling, and documentation.
He also highlighted the necessity of establishing traceability and recall procedures, alongside providing training and capacity building for farmers and exporters.
Engr. Ayodele noted that the successful management of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the agro-export sector, hinges on strict adherence to standards, thorough implementation of GAP, rigorous product testing and inspections, and meticulous packaging and documentation practices.
He reiterated SON’s dedication to assisting businesses in becoming competitive and successful through various standardisation schemes and quality assurance functions, adding that SON’s contributions have significantly impacted the development of industries in Nigeria, fostering growth and economic advancement through enhanced standardisation and quality assurance practices.
The Chinet AviationCargo Conference is an annual event that unites exporters, cargo managers, logistics companies, airlines, airport owners and managers, customs officials, insurance firms, and all key players within the aviation and cargo sectors.
The conference serves as a platform to devise strategies that will enhance Nigeria’s export capabilities through its airports.
