UK Agency Commends Nigeria’s Innovative National Quality Policy Approach

By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja

Graham Russell, Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), has praised Nigeria’s approach to implementing its National Quality Policy (NQP), describing it as “novel.” He made the remarks at the OPSS International Conference 2026 in London, where Nigeria’s National Quality Council Chairman, Osita Aboloma, delivered a presentation on “Innovation and Nigeria’s National Quality Policy.

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Russell highlighted Nigeria’s governance structure, featuring an inter-ministerial body within the Presidency, as a model for other nations seeking to strengthen their quality infrastructure through a national quality policy.
During his presentation, Aboloma outlined Nigeria’s NQP, emphasizing its unique governance framework and active private sector participation in the quality infrastructure value chain. He noted that this approach has enhanced efficiency and focus in both government operations and stakeholder engagement.
The NQP has already driven several initiatives, including awareness campaigns for public and private sector actors, and the creation of a NQP Implementation Strategy Matrix targeting key sectors such as cocoa and leather.
Aboloma also highlighted Nigeria’s collaboration with the British Standards Institution, which has facilitated the adoption of international best practices in quality infrastructure development.
A major milestone under the NQP is the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NiNAS) securing Mutual Recognition Arrangements with AFRAC and ILAC, giving Nigeria a globally recognized accreditation framework. This development is expected to generate foreign exchange savings and create jobs across the quality infrastructure value chain.
The National Quality Council is also developing a National Technical Regulatory Framework (NATReF), modeled on the African Technical Regulatory Framework, to strengthen Nigeria’s technical regulatory environment and enhance data management. Once operational, NATReF will leverage digital solutions to improve technical regulation and data handling.
Aboloma further noted that Nigeria is positioned to lead the implementation of mutual recognition agreements under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fostering equivalence in conformity assessment across Africa.
Through its NQP initiatives, Nigeria is emerging as a continental leader in quality infrastructure development, with promising implications for trade and economic growth.