Global markets now demand certification, not just quality

NEPC officials and resource persons with participants at the workshop on certification in PH

Export market access is increasingly being determined by compliance with internationally recognised standards and certifications, rather than product quality or price alone, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said.

This position was underscored at a technical session themed: “Go Global, Go for Certification: Understanding the Relevance of Certification in Accessing Global Markets for Exportable Products,” held on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking during the event, Ngozi Ibe, the Regional Coordinator of NEPC, South-South Regional Office, who read the welcome address, said Nigerian exporters must urgently align with global certification requirements if they intend to remain competitive in international trade.

According to her, access to global value chains is no longer driven solely by product availability or price competitiveness, but by compliance with internationally recognised standards covering quality assurance, traceability, sustainability, food safety, and ethical practices.

“Voluntary certifications such as food safety standards, organic certification, sustainability labels, and quality management systems have become de facto market-entry requirements in many regions, including Europe, North America, Asia and even within the AfCFTA framework,” she said.

She added that certification enhances product credibility, reduces trade rejections, boosts buyer confidence, and positions exporters for premium pricing and long-term supply contracts.

The event featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including Ahunna Imoni, Director of Culture and Women Affairs at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Port Harcourt; and Ezegwu Nkechinyere, who represented the Zonal Coordinator of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Port Harcourt. Both speakers emphasised the need for exporters, particularly MSMEs, to embrace standards and certification as a strategic business tool rather than a regulatory burden.

Delivering the keynote address, Afolabi Bello, Deputy Director at NEPC Headquarters, who represented Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, stressed that certification has become central to Nigeria’s non-oil export growth strategy.

Bello noted that globally certified products enjoy higher export survival rates, improved market diversification and stronger integration into global value chains. He also pointed out that certification supports compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and emerging environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements.

Participants were further trained on the critical role of packaging in export competitiveness. Experts explained that beyond certification, inappropriate packaging remains a major reason for rejection of Nigerian products in foreign markets.

The session highlighted best practices in packaging design, labelling, material selection and quality control, noting that a properly packaged and certified product has greater market appeal than a high-quality product presented poorly.

A product assessment session formed part of the programme, allowing participants to receive hands-on evaluation and guidance on export readiness.

NEPC reiterated its commitment to building a strong pipeline of export-ready Nigerian enterprises, noting that the sensitisation programme aligns with its broader mandate to diversify Nigeria’s export base, enhance value addition and increase foreign exchange earnings through sustainable non-oil exports.

The council urged participants to move beyond awareness to action, stressing that certification must translate into real market access, increased exports and inclusive economic growth.