SON Urges Patronage As Shangsat Rice Gets ARSO Certification

Plateau-based Shangsat Nigerian Limited has received certification of its Shangsat Premium Rice (Grade 1) under the ARSO Quality Mark issued by the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)
The event was hosted by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and ARSO.

A statement issued in Jos by the company’s head of Media, Elizabeth Dakung, explained that the director-general of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke and the secretary-general of ARSO, said the certification confirmed that Shangsat Premium Rice meets standards required for safe consumption anywhere in the world.
Okeke said, “The African Quality Mark is practical proof that certified products meet top safety and performance needs. Shangsat Rice has met the required standard and we urge Nigerians and the global community to patronise it.”

He added that SON is working to ensure only safe and certified products are in the market, and that the certification aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and economic growth.

The DG stated that ARSO Quality Mark is issued to companies that have met all requirements of African Standards (ARS) adopted as Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

“The mark validates compliance with continental quality, safety, and performance requirements” he said.
On his part, the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Chris Isokpunwu who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole commended indigenous companies like Shangsat for promoting Nigeria’s image.

He urged certified companies to maintain quality standards to attract more investment adding that certification and growth in trade and investment fall in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and food security.

Meanwhile Elizabeth Dakung who received the certificate on behalf of the CEO, Mr. Caring Simon said the certification will spur them to do more.

“Our vision is to deliver quality products and boost the economy. Shangsat Premium Rice comes in 50kg, 25kg and 10kg sizes, with complementary and customised packages available on request,” she said.

She pointed out that the certification positions Shangsat Premium Rice as one of Nigeria’s Grade 1 rice brands, meeting both national and African quality benchmarks.

It will be recalled that SON had earlier presented a Product Identification Scheme certificate to the Jos-based rice company, which commenced preliminary operations in 2018.