From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has formally certified Guthrie Nigeria Limited as the first indigenous rice-producing company in Kwara State to obtain the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), certification for rice production.
Speaking at the company’s office in Ilorin during the presentation ceremony, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, represented by the Kwara State Coordinator, Ayeni Feyi, said the milestone was a proud moment for the state and the country, describing the gathering as “special”.
“We are here to certify the first indigenous rice-producing company in Kwara State. In an era where rice certification seems impossible, Guthrie has distinguished itself. They have complied with all required standards, and today’s certification represents distinction, excellence and consistency,” he said.
Ayeni stressed that the MANCAP certification gives consumers confidence in Nigerian products at a time when fake and substandard items still dominate some markets.
“In this era of substandard goods, it is important that we prioritise excellent products. MANCAP is a lifelong quest that demonstrates the capacity and performance of Nigerian companies to compete favourably internationally,” he noted.
He added that Guthrie’s achievement is a pathway to tapping into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), giving Nigerian products a chance in the global market.
“With this kind of certification, we can elevate companies like this to gain reputation in the world market. Instead of buying fake rice, it’s important to buy our own—proudly Nigeria, proudly Kwara, proudly Africa,” he said.
Head of Food Codex and Agriculture at SON, Abiola Bayero, explained the rigorous process behind the certification, noting that MANCAP was created to protect consumers and ensure that locally manufactured products meet approved national standards.
“It is not given freely. SON inspects the factory, the processes, the quality-control system, and tests samples in accredited laboratories. Only when a company consistently meets standards is the certificate issued,” she explained.
Presenting the certificate for Guthrie AB Parboiled Rice (Grade 1), she said the logo is a mark of “quality, safety and reliability.”
“When you buy a bag of Guthrie rice bearing the MANCAP logo, you are buying something that has passed strict tests. You can cook and serve it with confidence,” she added.
General Manager of Guthrie Nigeria Limited, Olawumi Lanre, expressed gratitude to SON and other regulatory bodies for guiding the company through the process. He recalled how the journey began from the sourcing of machinery to meeting NAFDAC and SON requirements.
“At a point, we were giving up, but with your leadership and encouragement, we moved on. Today, we dedicate this certificate to God, our chairman, SON, and our staff because everyone worked hard to meet the standards,” he said.
Lanre added that the certification gives the company renewed confidence, saying, “Government is beginning to recognise us. This certificate brings advantages we didn’t initially realise.”
The event ended with SON reaffirming its commitment to sanitising the market and promoting quality made-in-Nigeria products capable of meeting both national and international standards.
