By AbdulKadir Abdullah and Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Towards enhancing business operations and improving the certification success rate of locally made products, the Edo State Government through its Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO); in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ); the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); and other relevant stakeholders, has organised series of capacity-building workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the State.
The workshops were aimed at addressing the recurring challenges that result in the rejection and decertification of goods by regulatory bodies; issues that have continued to hinder the export viability and growth potentials of local producers.
Participants were educated on essential aspects such as quality control, proper packaging, adherence to regulatory guidelines, and production techniques that align with national and international standards, as means of averting the retrogressive economic condition of export rejections among local producers.
Facilitators from NAFDAC and SON led technical sessions where they stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards throughout all stages of production. They also provided detailed guidelines on certification processes and the necessary steps to ensure regulatory compliance to make Edo-based products more competitive in domestic and foreign markets.
The Coordinator of the Edo State One-Stop Investment Centre, Mr. Joel Edionwe, emphasised that the workshops not only promote regulatory compliance but also serve as platforms for building the human capacities of local producers. He asserted that by equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills to meet international best practice and standards, Edo State is positioning itself to achieving greater global relevance through the export of high-quality goods.
Similarly, the Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon. Amen Odigie, represented by Mr. Abraham Ose Akhigbe, reiterated the Edo State Government’s long-term commitments to supporting export-driven development. He stated that the State boasts of an export value of approximately $15 billion and explained that initiatives like the workshops are vital for sustaining economic growth, increasing internally generated revenue (IGR), and opening up new international trade opportunities for Edo-based businesses.
Among the participants was the Coordinator of the Edo Licensed Exporters Association, Mrs. Rhones Peters, who expressed appreciation for the initiative. She acknowledged that many local producers have previously faced product rejections due to lack of knowledge about regulatory requirements. According to her, the insights gained from the workshops would enable local producers to align their practices with certification standards, thereby reducing rejection rates and improving access to foreign markets.
The workshops are considered a significant milestone in the State’s economic development agenda. By empowering local producers with the right knowledge and tools, the Edo State Government is not only strengthening the capacity of SMEs but also laying solid foundations for sustained economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
Going forward, the Edo State Government, along with its partners, has pledged to continue supporting such capacity-building initiatives to ensure that local enterprises thrive and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy and its relevance in the global marketplace.
