The Federal Government on Thursday presented the African Quality Mark certification to 131 Nigerian companies for 220 Made-in-Nigeria products, in a bid to strengthen the competitiveness of local goods across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The certification, also known as the ARSO Dual Mark, was awarded at the African Quality Mark Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to the event programme, 131 companies met the required standards for certification, with 220 products approved to carry the continental quality seal.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the award reflects the increasing capacity of Nigerian manufacturers to produce goods that meet both international and continental standards.
She was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Chris Isokpunwu, who described the African Quality Mark as a symbol of trust, quality, and competitiveness within the African market.
She noted that the certification would improve the visibility of Nigerian products, boost consumer confidence, and open up broader market opportunities for manufacturers looking to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area African Continental Free Trade Area.
Oduwole said, “I am delighted to participate in this important ceremony recognising Nigerian companies that have attained the prestigious African Quality Mark certification.
“This recognition reflects the growing capacity of Nigerian industries to compete within Africa’s evolving economic landscape and demonstrates the increasing importance of quality-driven industrial development.
“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to policies that support industrial expansion, export growth, local value addition and increased participation of Nigerian businesses within continental and global markets.”
The minister noted that as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area African Continental Free Trade Area gains momentum, African countries must move beyond fragmented markets and work toward a more integrated economy capable of driving growth and shared prosperity across the continent.
She stated, “As implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area progresses, Africa must move beyond fragmented markets toward a more integrated and competitive continental economy capable of driving sustainable development and shared prosperity.
“Government therefore continues to pursue policies that encourage manufacturing growth, investment promotion, innovation and strategic partnerships that strengthen regional trade participation.
“We recognise that industrial competitiveness is closely linked to the ability of businesses to produce goods that satisfy market expectations and attract confidence across borders.”
She added that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will continue to back initiatives designed to boost productivity, promote industrial modernization, and strengthen the export capacity of Nigerian businesses.
She added, “The African Quality Mark certification provides manufacturers with greater visibility and credibility within the continental market and enhances opportunities for expanded trade engagement under AfCFTA.
Oduwole said, “I am delighted to participate in this important ceremony recognising Nigerian companies that have attained the prestigious African Quality Mark certification.
“This recognition reflects the growing capacity of Nigerian industries to compete within Africa’s evolving economic landscape and demonstrates the increasing importance of quality-driven industrial development.
“The Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to policies that support industrial expansion, export growth, local value addition and increased participation of Nigerian businesses within continental and global markets.”
