WACOT Limited, a subsidiary of the TGI Group, has successfully renewed its ECOCERT certification to position the company as a key player in the global organic sesame market.
This achievement underscored WACOT’s adherence to the international standards, and has positioned Jigawa State as a pivotal organic sesame source for the US and worldwide markets.
ECOCERT, a leading authority in organic certification based in France, revalidated WACOT’s credentials, endorsing the company’s superior methods for processing, storing, and exporting organic sesame from its operations in Ikeja, Lagos, and Gumel, Jigawa State.
The first certificate, the EU Ecocert Organic Standard (EOS) certification attests to WACOT’s adherence to EU Regulation (EU) 2018/848, which pertains to the organic production and labelling of organic products, thereby facilitating exports to European and Great Britain markets.
Simultaneously, the second certification aligns with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP), which sets the standards for USDA-certified organic products.
The group managing-director of TGI Group, Rahul Savara expressed his elation over the milestone, stating that the renewal of the certification wasn’t merely a recognition of the company’s commitment to sustainable and organic agriculture but also marked a significant step in expanding the capacity to satisfy worldwide demand for organic sesame.
Speaking also, the national president of the Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria, Sheriff Balogun, lauded WACOT’s achievement.
“WACOT’s success in renewing its ECOCERT certification places Nigerian sesame firmly on the global map. This is not just about celebrating WACOT’s dedication to organic sesame exports; it’s about acknowledging Nigeria’s growing influence in the international commodities arena.
This milestone serves as an inspiration for other Nigerian enterprises to explore and capitalise on opportunities to extend the reach of Nigeria’s esteemed commodities globally,” Balogun said.
In response, head of sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga, emphasised the broader implications of this renewal, stating, “This accomplishment reflects our collective efforts to promote sustainable farming practices and improve the lives of over 10,000 farmers through our initiatives in Jigawa State.”
