The Governor of Ogun State, Adedapo Abiodun, has said that the African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), was a deliberate initiative, aimed at promoting quality products and boosting exports in Africa.
Speaking with press men at the frontlines of the opening ceremony of the Africa Quality Assurance Centre, AQAC, in Ogun state, the Governor noted that, the state being the pioneer of the centre, across Africa, would further facilitate efficient trade, countercheck zero rejection and catalyze the continent’s economy.
His words: “The centre was not an accident but a deliberate one. The importance of this centre is to achieve quality production. Today Nigeria’s yam cannot be exported, the yam has to go to Ghana first to be tested. This assurance centre therefore aims to stop this and by ensuring that the right quality of agro goods are exported, which will surely boost exports and the nation’s economy.”
Speaking earlier at the media briefing, Professor Benedict Oramah, Chairman, Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), said that the Africa Quality Assurance Centre, AQAC, an initiative of Afreximbank, in collaboration with Bureau Veritas, was also established to ensure that products produced in Africa meet safety standard and global competitiveness.
While commending the support of the Ogun state government, he disclosed that the creation of AQAC was important, as the estimate of rejection is about 700 million dollars, as such, no country can grow without solid quality infrastructure, including the provision of the certification centres like AQAC to ensure food safety.
“There is no country that aspires to become an export success without solid quality infrastructure. There is no country that can expect to participate effectively in the Africa trade agreements, without a sound quality infrastructure. As communicable disease spread throughout the world, it is testing and certification centres like this that will make sure we know what we eat. We are therefore happy to commission first in its series of Africa Quality Assurance Centre and I would begin by thanking Ogun Sate Government, under the leadership of Governor Abiodun for making it possible to have this well-located large piece of land. I also appreciate Bureau Veritas and the Ministry of Trade for being a strong partner and support,” Oramah said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Marc Roussel, Senior Vice President Africa, Bureau Veritas, explained that AQAC in partnership with Bureau Veritas would enable soil, fertilizers and commodity testing, certification while educating farmers, in order to meet international requirements.
Agro Nigeria