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The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is accepting applications from Nigerian exporters and MSMEs for its 2026 free international voluntary certification programme.
The opportunity is open to eligible businesses involved in agricultural commodities and the production of value-added products, particularly processed foods and cosmetics.
Successful applicants will receive support towards certifications such as HACCP, FDA and other relevant international voluntary certifications.
Applications close on October 10, 2026.
About the NEPC Certification Programme
The programme is designed to help Nigerian businesses improve product quality and meet standards required in local and international markets.
For food processors and other exporters, certifications can help demonstrate that products and production processes meet recognised safety and quality requirements.
NEPC is offering the certification support free of charge to businesses selected through the application and assessment process.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Nigerian exporters of agricultural commodities
- MSMEs producing value-added products
- Food processors
- Cosmetics manufacturers
- Businesses preparing their products for export
Applicants must also meet NEPC’s assessment requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
NEPC will assess applicants based on:
- Possession of an NEPC Registration Certificate
- Export readiness of the business
- Export potential of the product
- Quality of the product’s packaging and labelling
- Relevant mandatory certifications such as NAFDAC or NIS, where available
- Other export-related factors
Businesses interested in exporting from Nigeria are expected to register with NEPC through its exporter registration system.
Available Certifications
The programme covers voluntary international certifications including:
HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a food safety system used to identify and control potential hazards during food production and processing.
It is particularly relevant to food processors and businesses supplying products to markets where buyers require recognised food safety systems.
FDA Certification
NEPC also lists FDA certification among the certifications available under the programme.
Applicants should apply for the certification that is relevant to their product and intended export market.
Product Sample Requirement
Applicants must submit one product sample per product line to the NEPC Headquarters for assessment before final selection.
NEPC states that sending more than one sample for the same product line may lead to disqualification.
What Happens After Selection?
Qualified businesses will go through a briefing and selection process.
Successful applicants will then proceed through certification activities, including:
- Training
- Audit
- Implementation of the required certification system
Receiving support under the programme does not mean applicants automatically receive a certificate immediately after applying. They must complete the required certification process.
Why the Certification Matters
International certification can make it easier for exporters to demonstrate that their products meet recognised quality and safety standards.
This can be important when dealing with international buyers, distributors and markets with specific product requirements.
NEPC also says the programme is intended to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian MSMEs as businesses seek opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area and other export markets.
How to Apply
Interested businesses should complete the NEPC 2026 certification application form through:
https://bit.ly/NEPC2026certification
Applications must be submitted on or before October 10, 2026.
Applicants should provide accurate information about their business, products and export readiness.
Contact Details
For questions about the programme, NEPC provided the following contacts:
- Paul: 08037981552
- Blessing: 08075445583
- Annie: 09039660286
- NEPC Connect: 07069621876
Applicants should use official NEPC channels when requesting additional information about the programme.
Important Note
The certification support is free for selected applicants.
However, NEPC will not cover the renewal of certificates after they expire. Businesses that receive certification through the programme will be responsible for future renewals.
