The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certified Guthrie (Nigeria) Limited as the first indigenous rice-producing company in Kwara State to obtain the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certificate for its Guthrie AB Parboiled Rice (Grade 1), marking what officials describe as a major step for quality assurance and Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

Speaking at the certification ceremony held at Guthrie’s Ilorin office, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by the Kwara State Coordinator, Mr Ayeni Oyebola Feyi, said the achievement stands out in a period when many local producers still struggle to meet basic standards.

“Today’s gathering is special because we are here to certify the first indigenous rice-producing company in Kwara State,” he said. “At a time when rice certification seemed impossible, Guthrie has been able to comply with all requirements. This certification represents distinction, excellence and consistency.”

Describing MANCAP as a lifelong quality journey, Feyi added that the certificate signals Guthrie’s readiness for both national and international competition.

“In an era of fake and substandard products, it is important that we distinguish excellent products by certification,” he noted. “This certificate is a stepping stone to the international market, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. It shows that Nigerian rice can meet world standards.”

Head of Food Codex and Agriculture at SON, Mrs Abiola Bayero, explained the significance of the MANCAP scheme, stressing that it exists to protect consumers and strengthen confidence in locally made goods.

“MANCAP is not given freely,” she said. “The factory, production process, quality control systems and product samples undergo thorough testing. Even after certification, SON continues surveillance and unannounced inspections.”

She urged Nigerians to trust certified local brands, adding that the MANCAP logo is a guarantee of “quality, safety and reliability.”

“When you buy a bag of Guthrie rice with the MANCAP logo, you are buying something that has passed strict tests. You can serve it to your family with confidence,” she said.

General Manager of Guthrie Nigeria Limited, Mr Olawumi Lanre, expressed gratitude to SON and other agencies for guiding the company through the demanding process.

“When we started, we thought it was just another round of stress,” he recalled. “But SON encouraged us and led us. At a point we were giving up, but your team pushed us to keep going. Today, we are dedicating this certificate to God, our chairman, SON, and our entire staff.”

Lanre said the certification strengthens the company’s commitment to producing safe and high-quality rice for Nigerians.

“Each time SON gave us a target, our staff rallied to meet it. This certificate is for all of us. You are protecting lives, and God will protect yours too,” he added.

SON officials encouraged the company to maintain its standards and pursue higher certifications that will elevate its reputation and presence in global markets.