Nicert commits to global compliance for Nigerian exports

In the ever-evolving world of international trade, the ability to meet stringent global standards is crucial for market access and business growth. Nicert, a leading Nigerian certification body, is at the forefront of this transformation, facilitating the export of Nigerian products through compliance with international standards. As a proud applicant for the Verto Award, we spoke to Nicert Managing Director Annabel Kamuche on what Nicert does best and her plans for the business.

A mission rooted in compliance and market access

Nicert provides certification services that ensure Nigerian products meet international food safety, sustainability, and ethical standards. In partnership with Ecocert SA, a globally recognized certification body, Nicert offers conformity assessment and voluntary certification services across key standards such as:

• USDA/NOP Organic Certification

• European Union Organic Regulation

• Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS)

• FairTrade

• Rainforest Alliance (RA)

• Global Good Agricultural Practices (Global GAP)

• HACCP and ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems

These certifications open doors to lucrative global markets by ensuring traceability, uniformity, and compliance, ultimately boosting the profitability of value chain actors. To further its mission, Nicert established Nicert Expert Consulting Ltd (NECL), an independent subsidiary dedicated to training and compliance support, ensuring Nigerian farmers and businesses adhere to international best practices.

Addressing Challenges in Nigerian Exports

Nigeria faces significant challenges in exporting agricultural products due to non-compliance with international standards. According to Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), over 50% of the country’s exports are rejected due to failure to meet Maximum Residue Level (MRL) requirements. This not only affects profitability but also damages trust in Nigerian products.

Nicert’s unique approach to tackling these challenges includes:

• Training & Capacity Building: Educating farmers and businesses on global standards.

• Certification & Market Linkage: Facilitating direct access to international markets.

• Supply Chain Structuring: Creating traceable and sustainable supply chains for commercial-scale export.

A Journey of Growth and Impact

Since its inception in 2017, Nicert has transformed Nigeria’s certification landscape. Initially, awareness of voluntary certification was minimal. 

Today, demand has surged, with over 50 organic operations and 200 food safety-certified companies now benefiting from Nicert’s services. In a groundbreaking achievement, Nicert became Nigeria’s first indigenous certification body accredited for Food Safety Certifications, significantly reducing certification costs for local businesses.

The Road Ahead for Nicert

Looking ahead, Nicert plans to:

• Obtain accreditation for Sustainable and Ethical Standards (USDA/NOP, EU Organic, FairTrade, and Global GAP).

• Expand certification services to other African nations through strategic partnerships.

• Strengthen Nigeria’s position in the $658.3 billion organic market projected by 2034.

“Securing the Verto Award would provide Nicert with essential funding to further its accreditation efforts in sustainable certification standards. With global demand for organic and ethically sourced products on the rise, local businesses face significant financial barriers due to currency fluctuations and high certification costs,” says Group Managing Director Annabel Kamuche.

By offering certification in local currency, Nicert will enable Nigerian MSMEs to compete effectively on the global stage, increasing their profitability and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

A Future with Verto

“Winning the Verto Award will be a catalyst for Nicert’s mission—ensuring Nigerian products are not only competitive but also trusted in international markets,” explains Annabel.

As Nicert continues to champion compliance and certification, its vision of making Nigeria a global leader in agricultural exports moves closer to reality. With the right support and recognition, Nicert is poised to reshape the future of Nigerian trade.