…expands access to over 140 markets
…as NINAS earns international recognition
The United Kingdom and Nigeria have deepened their partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s quality infrastructure, a move
toward reducing product rejection and boosting global market access, following the international recognition of the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NINAS).
The move strengthens the country’s quality infrastructure and opens the door for Nigerian-certified products and services to be accepted in more than 140 countries, marking a significant shift for exporters and manufacturers.
Speaking at the launch of NINAS’ international recognition on Monday in Abuja, Celestine Okanya, Director-General said the achievement signals a new era for Nigerian exports, as products tested, inspected or certified by NINAS-accredited bodies will now carry globally accepted marks from the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC).
Okanya explained that the development directly tackles one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian exporters, rejection of products in foreign markets due to non-recognition of local testing and certification systems.
According to him, with NINAS now internationally recognised, exporters who use accredited laboratories and certification bodies can technically achieve zero rejection, as foreign authorities will accept their certificates without retesting or additional charges.
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He stated that Nigeria’s upgraded quality system ensures that products and services meet the requirements of both domestic consumers and destination markets.
“Any manufacturer in Nigeria using NINAS-accredited labs or certification bodies will receive certificates accepted in more than 140 countries. This removes major barriers for Nigerian products entering Europe, America and Asia,” he said.
Okanya noted that only eight accreditation bodies in Africa have reached this level of global recognition, placing Nigeria among the continent’s leaders in quality assurance.
Hannah Barbosa, Director for Trade Policy and Market Access (Africa Region), UK Department for Business and Trade, said the milestone is more than a celebration but a bold statement of intent that Nigeria is ready to compete globally through quality, standards and trust.
She highlighted ongoing UK–Nigeria collaborations, including the Standards Partnership Programme implemented with the British Standards Institution (BSI), which has supported Nigerian businesses in meeting international requirements.
The recognition, she said, will reduce technical barriers to trade, enhance investor confidence and open new opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Barbosa added that the UK government remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s quality ecosystem, noting examples such as the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) Roadshow and the recent SheTrades Inward Mission that linked UK importers with Nigerian food processors.
“It means NINAS’s accredited conformity assessment bodies in Nigeria can now issue certificates accepted globally. This achievement will reduce technical barriers to trade, enhance investor confidence and unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area, the AFCFTA.
“With the AFCFTA creating the world’s largest free trade area by population, Nigeria’s ability to meet international standards will be critical for accessing regional and global markets competitively,” she said.
Osita Aboloma, Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), described the achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s pioneering implementation of the National Quality Policy. He said NINAS’ recognitions will boost global competitiveness, save foreign exchange, enhance human capacity and create jobs.
Aboloma called on public and private sector players to prioritise the use of NINAS-accredited services, assuring that the NQC remains committed to advancing the national quality infrastructure, which includes standardisation, accreditation, conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance.
Mark Smithson, UK Country Director for Nigeria and Regional Director for Anglo West Africa at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), said the UK is eager to see stronger two-way trade flows, noting that total UK imports from Nigeria currently is £2.3 billion driven largely by demand for commodities.
He explained that with NINAS-accredited testing, calibration and certification bodies now recognised under the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), Nigerian goods will move more freely through UK customs, benefiting from faster identification, clearance and acceptance into the market.
“Under the new MRA system, exporters can expect quicker processing, fewer product rejections and more consistent outcomes. quantitative growth that strengthens UK–Nigeria trade relations,” he said.
