The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended the level of hygiene and quality compliance at cassava processing centres established under the International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Enugu State.
SON conducted inspections at the processing facilities located in Ako Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, and Umueze Umaga Ezimo-Agu in Udenu Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inspection on Thursday, the State Coordinator of SON, Mr Peter Ameh, said the centres largely complied with required standards, though certain areas still required improvement.
Represented by the Assistant Chief Standards Officer, Dr Rita Frank-Makwe, Ameh noted that product labelling remained one of the gaps identified.
“From our findings, they are compliant but not 100 percent, as there are still areas of improvement such as labelling,” he said.
He, however, praised the centres for adhering to good hygienic and manufacturing practices, describing the efforts of IFAD-VCDP as commendable.
The coordinator explained that a comprehensive laboratory analysis of the products was yet to be carried out to determine full compliance with all applicable standards.
He urged farmers and agro-processors to collaborate closely with SON to ensure their products meet national requirements and are free from adulteration.
According to him, the agency’s role is to support producers through guidance and capacity-building rather than punitive enforcement.
“To be SON-certified, producers must operate proper facilities that comply with standards, adhere to good manufacturing and hygienic practices, maintain documentation, and implement quality assurance and control measures,” he said.
Also speaking, the IFAD-VCDP State Project Coordinator in Enugu, Dr Edward Isiwu, said the inspection aligned with IFAD’s commitment to helping local farmers attain both national and international standards.
Represented by the programme’s Business and Market Development Officer, Mr Arinze Omeje, Isiwu stated that IFAD-VCDP had partnered with SON for over three years to organise training sessions for farmers across the state.
He commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for supporting the programme’s implementation.
Isiwu disclosed that IFAD-VCDP funds the construction of the processing centres, while beneficiaries contribute about 10 percent, mainly through land provision.
He added that the facilities are equipped with water and solar systems to reduce production costs and enhance profitability.
According to him, several centres have been built across Enugu State, with plans underway to secure certification from SON and other relevant agencies.
A beneficiary farmer, Mr Chijioke Ogbonna, expressed appreciation for the inspection visit and pledged to address the areas highlighted for improvement to achieve full certification.
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