NEPC Offers Free HACCP, FDA and Other International Certifications for Nigerian Food Exporters and MSMEs (Apply by 10 October 2026)

Want to export your food or agro products but keep hitting the certification wall? The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is offering a free way through it.

What Is This Opportunity About?

NEPC is inviting exporters of agricultural commodities and MSMEs that produce value-added products, especially processed food and cosmetics, to apply for free implementation of voluntary certifications including HACCP and FDA. The offer sits under NEPC's #OperationDoubleYourExport campaign. 

Voluntary (non-mandatory) certifications are not required by Nigerian law, but buyers abroad increasingly expect them. NEPC says certification builds trust and confidence in a product, which makes it easier to access both domestic and export markets. The Council also links the programme to AfCFTA, so that Nigerian food processors can compete across Africa and globally. (nepc)

Selected applicants will go through:

•A briefing and selection process

•Training

•Audit

•Implementation of the required certification systems

Who Can Apply?

•Nigerian food and agro-commodity exporters

•Small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that process or manufacture value-added products, especially food and cosmetics

•Location: The announcement does not limit the programme to any state, so it appears open to qualifying businesses across Nigeria. You will need to deliver a product sample to NEPC headquarters in Abuja.

Selection Criteria

NEPC says applicants will be assessed on:

•Possession of an NEPC Registration Certificate

•Export-readiness of the MSME

•Export potential of the product(s)

•Packaging and labelling outlook of the product(s)

•Mandatory certifications such as NAFDAC and NIS (an added advantage)

•Other export-related factors

Important Rules

•Send only one product per product line as a sample to NEPC headquarters. More than one sample per product line could lead to disqualification. (nepc)

•NEPC will not be responsible for renewing expired certificates issued under this free exercise. (nepc)

Deadline

Friday, 10th October, 2026. Applications must reach NEPC by this date. That is only a few days away, so apply now. (nepc)

How to Apply

👉 Application link: https://bit.ly/NEPC2026certification

You can also scan the QR code on NEPC's official announcement: Read the full announcement on NEPC's website

Need help? Contact NEPC:

Paul: 08037981552

Blessing: 08075445583

Annie: 09039660286

NEPC Connect: 07069621876

Instagram: @officialnepc

Email: ceo@nepc.gov.ng

Website: www.nepc.gov.ng

NEPC Headquarters (for samples): Plot 424, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Final Word

Certifications like HACCP and FDA can cost small businesses a lot, and NEPC is covering them for selected applicants. If you process food or agro products and want a place in international markets, apply before the deadline. Share this post with a food processor or exporter who needs it.