BY ABDULKADIR ABDULLAH EDENIYERE ABRAHAM OSOSE
In a bid to enhance business performance and improve the certification success rate of locally made products, the Edo State Government, through its Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), has partnered 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 to conduct a series of capacity-building workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
The workshops are designed to address persistent challenges that often lead to product rejections and decertifications by regulatory bodies—issues that have continued to limit the export potential and market growth of local businesses.
Participants received comprehensive training on key aspects such as quality assurance, effective packaging, adherence to regulations, and production processes aligned with both national and international standards.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reverse the economic setbacks caused by frequent export rejections.
Experts from NAFDAC and SON led technical sessions, underlining the need for consistent quality control at every stage of production.
They also offered practical guidance on certification procedures and how to navigate the regulatory landscape to make Edo-manufactured goods more competitive both within Nigeria and globally.
Mr. Joel Edionwe, Coordinator of the Edo State One-Stop Investment Centre, highlighted the importance of the workshops not only in promoting compliance but also in building the capacity of local producers.
He noted that equipping SMEs with relevant skills and knowledge would help them align with global best practices, thereby increasing Edo’s relevance in international trade.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon. Amen Odigie—represented by Mr. Abraham Ose Akhigbe—reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to supporting export-led economic growth.
He revealed that the state has an export value nearing $15 billion and stressed that initiatives like this are crucial for boosting internally generated revenue, expanding trade opportunities, and ensuring long-term economic sustainability.
Mrs. Rhones Peters, Coordinator of the Edo Licensed Exporters Association and one of the workshop participants, commended the government for the initiative.
She pointed out that many local producers have faced setbacks due to a lack of understanding of regulatory standards, and said the training had offered valuable insights that would help reduce rejection rates and enhance access to international markets
