Several rice processor groups in Niger State supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) have been selected for the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) Quality Mark Award, a major recognition of excellence in quality assurance and food safety.
The award, facilitated through the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), recognizes enterprises that consistently meet approved African standards and demonstrate best practices in production and processing. For the beneficiary groups, the recognition marks a significant milestone in their journey toward building competitive and market-driven agribusinesses.
The award recipients are drawn from rice-processing clusters located in Borgu, Mokwa, Edati, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State. Over the years, the processor groups have benefited from VCDP interventions aimed at improving productivity, strengthening processing capacity, enhancing business management skills, and expanding access to profitable markets.
Their selection for the ARSO Quality Mark Award reflects the progress made in raising the quality of locally processed rice to meet nationally and internationally accepted standards. It also highlights the growing potential of Nigeria’s rice value chain to compete effectively within the African market.
Industry stakeholders view the recognition as further evidence of the impact of the FGN/IFAD-VCDP in promoting inclusive agricultural development. By supporting processors and smallholder farmers with modern technologies, technical training, and market opportunities, the programme has contributed to improved product quality, reduced post-harvest losses, and increased income generation in rural communities.
The award presentation ceremony is scheduled for June 4, 2026, at the A-Class Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja. The event is expected to attract a broad range of participants, including representatives of government institutions, development partners, agribusinesses, farmer organizations, processors, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
According to the Knowledge Management and Communications Advisor of the FGN/IFAD-VCDP, the recognition sends a strong message on the importance of quality standards in driving agribusiness growth and unlocking new market opportunities for local producers.
The advisor noted that adherence to established standards remains critical to improving food security, increasing consumer confidence, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products across regional and international markets.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading quality assurance recognitions, the ARSO Quality Mark Award promotes excellence among enterprises that consistently comply with approved standards and uphold best practices in production and service delivery.
