Yemisi Izuora
The minister of industry, trade and investment, Olusegun Aganga has said that Nigeria would no longer rely on accreditation of its export products in Ghana following the unveiling of two internationally accredited laboratories in Lagos.
Aganga, who performed the ceremony, regretted that since independence Nigerian products meant for export were accredited in Ghana.
The minister said Nigerian exporters had lost many resources as their products were usually rejected in the international market.
“For the first time in 50 years we have quality infrastructure and for the first time ever we have National Quality Policy” he said.
Aganga added that the laboratories are an integral part of the National Quality Infrastructure, which is embedded in the nations ‘Industrial Revolution Plan’.
The plan, he explained was designed to facilitate diversification of the economy and increase revenue generation of the country.
“Nigeria is the largest economy with the largest product reject. Our exporters have suffered financial loses and our image dented as a result of the reject. Our products for export will have to pass through Ghana to get certification before export, but today the era of reject of our agro product is coming to quick end” he said.
The minister appreciated the UNIDO and the European Union who provided €12million to facilitate the establishment of the National Quality Infrastructure.
The laboratories constructed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) covers about twelve products which include, rice, cassava, yam, dry and fresh leaves soya beans among others.
In his remarks earlier, the director general of SON, Ikemefuna Odumodu said the facility will boost non oil exports, create job opportunities and enhance capacity and skill of Nigerians,