Nigeria is set to save millions of dollars in foreign exchange after the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NINAS) received global accreditation, allowing export test results and quality certificates from the country to be accepted in more than 140 nations. The announcement, made in Abuja, marks a significant breakthrough for the nation’s exporters, who previously faced costly international retesting and certification hurdles.
The international recognition comes under the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement and globally through the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Experts say this milestone will drastically reduce compliance costs for Nigerian manufacturers, particularly in the non-oil export sector, while improving the global competitiveness of locally produced goods.
Until now, many exporters had to send products to Europe for expensive conformity assessments, draining scarce foreign exchange and delaying shipments. With NINAS-accredited laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification agencies now able to issue globally accepted certificates, Nigerian products can enter foreign markets more efficiently, eliminating duplication and costly delays.
Osita Aboloma, Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), described the recognition as a major victory for the economy and a boost to President Bola Tinubu’s diversification agenda. He highlighted that the new status will especially benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to expand abroad without incurring millions of naira and dollars for repeated compliance assessments in countries such as Norway and the Netherlands.
Director-General of NINAS, Celestine Okanya, emphasized that this development positions Nigeria among eight African countries with globally accepted accreditation systems. UK trade officials also praised the milestone, calling it a “game changer” that reduces technical trade barriers, strengthens investor confidence, and opens opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The UK’s support through the Standards Partnership Programme was key to achieving this international recognition.
source: The Sun