Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in its push to expand non-oil exports, strengthen product credibility, and integrate more competitively into global trade. The country recently secured international accreditation recognition that allows test reports and product certificates issued in Nigeria to be accepted in more than 140 countries. This milestone, achieved through the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) and reinforced by new export-focused initiatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), is expected to significantly reduce export rejections and boost confidence in Nigerian products across global markets.
For years, one of the biggest barriers facing Nigerian exporters has been the limited acceptance of locally issued laboratory results and certification documents. Even when products met international quality requirements, many importers abroad insisted on retesting, often leading to delays, higher costs, or outright rejection of goods at foreign ports. This challenge affected a wide range of export categories, particularly agricultural products, processed foods, cosmetics, chemicals, and consumer goods.
The tide is now turning. NiNAS announced that it has achieved full mutual-recognition status with the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC), which connects Nigeria’s accreditation system directly to the global networks governed by ILAC and IAF, international bodies responsible for recognising testing, inspection, and certification systems worldwide. As a result, conformity assessments conducted by NiNAS accredited laboratories and certification bodies in Nigeria now carry the same weight as those issued in Europe, North America, Asia, and other participating regions. Exporters no longer need to conduct duplicate testing abroad, saving valuable time and reducing trade costs that previously ran into billions of naira annually.
This development aligns with SON’s renewed push to make Nigerian products more globally competitive. Through its enhanced export certification programme widely promoted around World Standards Day 2025, SON is providing exporters with a clearer pathway to prove compliance with global standards. The scheme, known as SONEXCAP, simplifies the process for manufacturers to obtain credible certification, enabling them to package their goods with documentation accepted by foreign regulators and buyers. SON has emphasised that this programme is especially beneficial for SMEs, which often face the steepest challenges in navigating complex international standards.
With the new recognition in place, experts foresee a significant reduction in technical barriers to trade. Agricultural exporters, who have historically suffered high rejection rates in the EU and other markets due to residue issues, poor documentation, or non-recognised testing, stand to benefit considerably. Processed food producers, fashion and textile brands, household manufacturers, and even medical laboratories will also enjoy greater credibility now that their test reports and certifications align with globally accepted accreditation frameworks.
Economic projections from NiNAS and industry partners suggest that Nigeria could realise hundreds of billions of naira in trade gains over the coming years. These benefits arise not only from fewer export losses and lower retesting costs, but also from improved buyer confidence, an essential factor for expanding market share in competitive global supply chains. International organisations such as the EU, UNIDO, the World Bank, and Germany’s PTB have supported Nigeria’s quality-infrastructure reforms, recognising the long-term potential for export diversification and industrial growth.
Nevertheless, Nigeria must continue to expand domestic testing capacity, strengthen laboratory competence, and ensure that exporters are well informed on how to use the new system. NiNAS-accredited bodies need to scale their services to meet rising demand, while SON and industry associations including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, will play a critical role in guiding producers through compliance requirements. When fully implemented, the reforms will position Nigerian exporters to compete more effectively, cut back on avoidable losses, and access markets with fewer technical restrictions.
Nigeria’s new globally accepted accreditation status marks a turning point for the nation’s export landscape. It removes long-standing obstacles that have hindered trade, empowers local manufacturers with internationally credible certification, and opens doors to more than 140 markets without the heavy burden of repeat testing. If these reforms are sustained and scaled, Nigeria is set to unlock stronger non-oil export growth and secure a more influential place in global commerce.
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