food safety certification in nigeria

A Guide to Safer Food and Stronger Standards

Food safety is more than just a concern for health-conscious individuals—it's a national priority. In Nigeria, where agriculture plays a central role in the economy and foodborne illnesses remain a public health challenge, food safety certification is gaining momentum as a vital tool for ensuring quality, boosting trade, and protecting consumers.

This article explores what food safety certification means in the Nigerian context, why it's important, the types of certifications available, how businesses can get certified, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What is Food Safety Certification?

food safety certification in Nigeria is a formal process that verifies a food business or organization complies with established food safety standards. These standards help ensure that food is produced, handled, processed, packaged, stored, and distributed under hygienic conditions that prevent contamination and hazards.

Certification is usually issued by an accredited third-party body after a comprehensive audit of the organization’s food safety management system (FSMS).

Why is Food Safety Certification Important in Nigeria?

1. Public Health Protection

Foodborne diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or chemical contaminants can have severe consequences, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Certification helps ensure food safety practices that reduce the risk of such outbreaks.

2. Trade and Export Opportunities

Nigeria’s agricultural exports—such as grains, cocoa, seafood, and processed foods—are often scrutinized by international buyers. Certification helps Nigerian businesses meet global requirements, facilitating access to markets in the EU, US, and beyond.

3. Consumer Confidence

A certified business sends a strong message of commitment to quality and safety, building trust with local consumers and corporate buyers such as supermarkets and hotels.

4. Compliance with Regulations

The Nigerian government, through agencies like NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) and SON (Standards Organisation of Nigeria), is increasingly emphasizing compliance with safety standards. Certification helps food businesses align with regulatory expectations.

Key Food Safety Certification Options in Nigeria

Several certification schemes are recognized both locally and internationally. The most common include:

1. ISO 22000 Certification

This is a global standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It sets requirements for a Food Safety Management System and integrates elements of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

Key Features:

• Applies to any organization in the food chain

• Risk-based approach

• Continuous improvement model

2. HACCP Certification

HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards.

Who needs it?

• Food processors

• Catering companies

• Packaged food manufacturers

HACCP is widely used and often forms the foundation for more advanced certifications like ISO 22000.

3. FSSC 22000 Certification

The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 is a GFSI-recognized scheme built on ISO 22000 and additional sector-specific requirements. It's ideal for companies targeting export or supplying global brands.

4. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

GMP certification focuses on hygiene and production practices, especially in food processing and packaging environments. It’s often a baseline requirement before implementing more complex systems.

5. NAFDAC Food Registration

While not a certification in the global sense, NAFDAC approval is mandatory for food products in Nigeria. Without it, food businesses cannot legally manufacture or sell their products.

The Certification Process in Nigeria

Getting certified may seem complex, but it typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Understand the Standard

Each certification scheme has specific requirements. Businesses should choose the standard that best fits their size, operations, and target market.

Step 2: Gap Analysis

A gap analysis helps identify areas where current practices fall short of certification requirements. This can be done internally or with the help of consultants.

Step 3: System Development

The organization must develop and document procedures and policies aligned with the standard. This includes:

• Hazard analysis

• Food safety plans

• Monitoring procedures

• Staff training

Step 4: Implementation

The company must implement these policies across all departments and ensure that staff are trained and records are maintained properly.

Step 5: Internal Audit

Before the certification body visits, an internal audit helps identify and fix weaknesses in the system.

Step 6: Certification Audit

An accredited certification body (like SGS, Bureau Veritas, IAS, or local SON-approved bodies) will audit the system and, if compliant, issue the certificate.

Challenges Facing Food Safety Certification in Nigeria

1. Cost and Affordability

Many small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) struggle with the cost of certification and system implementation, especially where equipment upgrades are needed.

2. Lack of Awareness

Not all food businesses understand the importance of certification or are aware of the standards available.

3. Limited Technical Expertise

Many businesses lack trained personnel to develop and manage food safety systems. While consultants are available, they can be expensive.

4. Infrastructure Gaps

Poor water quality, unstable electricity, and substandard storage facilities make it hard for some businesses to meet safety requirements.

Opportunities and Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there are promising signs:

 Government Initiatives

The Nigerian government has taken steps to support food safety. For instance, SON has created simplified standards for SMEs. NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health also conduct awareness campaigns.

Export Incentives

Export-focused businesses are increasingly turning to certification as a competitive edge. With programs like the Zero Reject Policy, Nigeria aims to improve the quality of agricultural exports by promoting food safety.

Support from Development Partners

International organizations like the FAO, UNIDO, and USAID offer technical assistance and funding to help Nigerian agribusinesses meet food safety standards.

Final Thoughts

Food safety certification in Nigeria is no longer just an option—it’s becoming a necessity for food businesses aiming to grow, build trust, and access broader markets. From local eateries to major food exporters, certification serves as a shield against food safety risks and a passport to credibility.

While the path to certification may involve investments in training, systems, and audits, the long-term benefits—including better product quality, improved market access, and consumer trust—make it well worth the effort.

For any business in Nigeria involved in producing, processing, handling, or distributing food, now is the time to take food safety seriously. Certification isn’t just a document—it’s a commitment to excellence.