African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) says its African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC) in Ogun State, can now offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products in Nigeria.
The international accreditation of the AQAC in Ogun to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017, was done last week by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS).
SANAS is one of the accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa’s Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).
” By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports.”
ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results.
The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory’s commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.
Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank , said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC’s capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre’s reach.
“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.
“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria.
By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said.
She stated that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.
Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria, said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre.
This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services.
It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria’s AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa’ products.”
The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC’s ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.