DEADLINE: 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2024
NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL (NEPC)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATIONS (HACCP, FDA, ETC.) FOR NIGERIAN FOOD & AGRO COMMODITIES EXPORTERS INCLUDING SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSMES) FOOD PROCESSORS
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council in its efforts at implementing the Federal Government economic diversification agenda is continuing its non-oil export development drive with focus on enhancing capacity and export-readiness of value chain actors in various sectors. The objective is to improve the quality or standard of exportable products by providing practitioners with the requisite knowledge of the importing countries requirements and imbibing best practices.
2. The intensive competition in the global market by countries and companies competing for market access and market share for their products makes it imperative that exportable products particularly value-added and processed food items must have additional Non-mandatory (Voluntary) Certifications. Food safety, hygiene and adherence to quality standards are the minimum that an exporting entity must imbibe and practice to compete globally. Therefore, certification of a product or of a process to ensure high level of compliance to quality standards provides measure of trust and confidence in the product; thus, making easy access to both domestic and export markets.
3. The imminent take-off of the AfCFTA makes it imperative that Nigerian SMEs particularly food processors are prepared to be able to compete continentally and globally to ensure that Nigeria benefits maximally from AfCFTA and impact positively the nation’s non-oil export growth.
4. In view of the above and in line with NEPC’s #Operation Double Your Export campaign, interested exporters of agricultural commodities and MSMES who are into production/manufacturing of value-added products especially processed food items are requested to apply to the Council for free implementation of Voluntary Certifications including HACCP, FDA, amongst others.
5. Interested exporters and MSMEs should apply to the Council via email ceo@nepc.gov.ng stating company’s name, product(s), contact information and certification required (whether HACCP or FDA). Also, applicants should forward ONLY ONE PRODUCT AS SAMPLE to the NEPC Headquarters for assessment, prior to final selection. Sending more than one piece of each sample could lead to disqualification. Application should reach the NEPC latest by Friday 6 September, 2023.
6. Suitably qualified exporters and MSMEs from the application will go through a briefing and selection process and will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Valid NEPC Registration Certificate
- Export-readiness of the MSME
- Export potential of the product(s) Product(s) Packaging/labeling outlook
- Possession of Mandatory Certification (NAFDAC or NIS) will be added advantage.
- Other export-related factors
For more information on the free Voluntary Certification offered by the Council, please call any of the followings:
(i) Afolabi 08034728351
(ii) Moboni 07068569806
(iii) Blessing 08075445583
You can also reach us via NEPC connect channels: 09118051213, (Instagram) @officialnepc
7. Successful MSME applicants who scaled through the selection process will thereafter go through the process of training, audit and eventual implementation of the required certification systems.
Nonye Ayeni
Executive Director/CEO
Signed
