Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in global trade after the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NINAS) received international recognition. This breakthrough means products certified by NINAS-accredited laboratories and certification bodies are now accepted in over 140 countries, significantly reducing export rejections and saving millions in foreign exchange. The development positions Nigeria as a leader in quality assurance across Africa.
Under the new status, certificates issued by NINAS-accredited bodies carry globally trusted marks from the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, International Accreditation Forum, and African Accreditation Cooperation under its Mutual Recognition Arrangement. Only eight accreditation bodies worldwide have achieved this level of recognition, highlighting Nigeria’s rise in the global quality infrastructure landscape.
Speaking at the Abuja launch, NINAS Director-General Celestine Okanya emphasized the impact on exporters, particularly in the food sector, where goods are often rejected abroad due to unrecognized testing. “Any manufacturer using NINAS-accredited labs will receive certificates accepted in more than 140 countries, removing major barriers stopping Nigerian products from entering Europe, America, and Asia,” Okanya said, noting that exporters can now expect near-zero rejection rates.
The recognition also aligns with Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ensuring smoother customs clearance and greater access to regional and global markets. UK trade officials, who supported Nigeria’s quality reforms, hailed the milestone as a catalyst for investment and trade growth. Hannah Barbosa, Director for Trade Policy and Market Access (Africa Region), described it as “a bold statement of intent” for Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
UK Country Director Mark Smithson highlighted the practical benefits for exporters, noting that the recognition will streamline UK customs processing, reduce delays, and enhance trade consistency. With UK imports from Nigeria standing at £2.3 billion, the upgrade is expected to unlock new market opportunities, strengthen investor confidence, and expand Nigeria’s presence in the global export market.
source: punch