ISO 22000: Unlocking Opportunities for Nigeria’s Food Processing Industry

The food processing sector in Nigeria is witnessing immense growth owing to the expanding population, increasing urbanization, and a greater need for packaged and processed foods. This expansion also comes with a surge in the demand for food safety measures. This is where ISO 22000 Certification comes in. It is an international standard that is well known for ensuring proper compliance, but in the case of Nigeria it has the capability of unlocking further avenues for the food industry.
Overview of the Food Sector:
- In 2021, Nigeria had 76,619 food and beverage establishments.
- Nigeria’s principal staples are cassava, yam, maize, sorghum, traditional rice and millet.
- Most cash crops are made up of cocoa, oil palm, cotton, groundnuts, ginger, and sesame.
- Nigeria predominantly exports cash crops alongside frozen shrimps and prawn such as sesame seeds, cocoa beans, and cashew nuts.
As with numerous other developing nations, Nigeria is trying to find ways of sustaining its large populace with sufficient food supply. Various programs and policies that are expected to enhance agriculture and food production are being pursued actively. Nigeria must take suitable and realistic measures to ensure safety and quality of food for exports and also for local consumption.
What is ISO 22000?
Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) ISO 22000 is an internationally accepted standard. It aids institutions in the identification, control, and management of food safety risks along the entire supply chain. This goes from farm to fork, which includes cultivation and harvesting, processing and packaging, storage and transportation, and serving. Adopting this standard allows companies to provide safe, quality checked, and globally compliant products.
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point: Precursor to food safety control measures breakdowns.
- GMP: Procedures that ensure cleanliness and handling in food processing environments is controlled.
- Retraining: Updating food safety procedures will be performed regularly, monitoring will keep checking whether the documentation procedures are appropriate.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with international and national food safety laws and standards.
Adoption of ISO 22000 is a step toward creating a safe working environment in Nigerian food processing companies as it helps put in place scientifically based food safety measures and guarantees protection against biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
Why is ISO 22000 Important for Nigeria’s Food Processing Industry?
Nigeria possesses one of the largest agricultural economies in Africa, alongside dealing with foodborne illnesses, food contamination, and improper food handling predicaments. ISO 22000 offers benefits to the industry by providing solutions to these issues:
- Enhanced Food Safety: Poor safety measures can pose a threat to consumers' health and damage the reputations of the companies. ISO 22000 ensures that food processing companies undertake appropriate safety steps, significantly lowering the risk of receiving product recalls and contamination issues.
- Expansion into New Markets: Some countries do not accept food products unless they are assured that they are maintained to international safety standards. ISO 22000 empowers Nigerian food companies since they can now sell their products all over the world.
- Satisfying Legal Responsibilities: Food safety regulations have been tight to safeguard consumers in Nigeria. ISO 22000 makes it easier for businesses to comply with food laws, both domestically and internationally to avoid problems with the law and penalties.
- Boosted Customer Confidence: Customers have higher levels of awareness about the food processed and handled in processing facilities. A company that has attained food safety certificates for their products would provide a sense of assurance to customers, which means increased trust and brand loyalty.
Steps to Achieve ISO 22000 Certification in the year 2025
Applying for and receiving an ISO 22000 certification may appear challenging, but it can be achieved without much difficulty. Here’s how.Step By Step Approach:
Conducting Gap Analysis:
Review your processes and identify steps to take to enhance them to meet the standards described in ISO 22000
Train Employees:
Train your employees on food safety concepts alongside the particulars of ISO 22000. To facilitate successful implementation, training is required.
Create a Food Safety Management System (FSMS):
You need to build and maintain an FSMS proposed for your business which entails hazard analysis, critical control points (HACCP), and effective communication strategies.
Engage a Certification Body:
You will work with a certification body that specializes in ISO 22000 certification to provide an audit of your processes and grant the certificate.
Continuous Improvement:
Achieving ISO 22000 is not a one-off endeavor. FSMS will have to be adjusted regularly to reflect changes in the business and its environment, including compliance to legal requirements and relicensing.
Types Of Certification
- ISO Certification
- ISO 9001 Certification
- ISO 14001 Certification
- ISO 45001 Certification
- ISO 22000 Certification
- ISO 27001 Certification
- ISO 17025 Certification
- ISO 13485 Certification
- ISO 20000-1 Certification
- ISO 22301 Certification
- ISO 50001 Certification
- ISO 37001 Certification
- IATF 16949 Certification
- ISO 29001 Certification
- ISO 31000 Certification
- ISO 20121 Certification
- ISO 10002 Certification
- ISO 41001 Certification
Get Free Consultation
Our Clients


















How does ISO 22000 help food chain companies comply with Nigeria's food approval requirements in 2025?
The approval system seeks to ensure safety and quality for food products in Nigeria and also systems that facilitate easy distribution of food products to the consumers of all classes. It builds credibility, consumer trust, and legal compliance.
- Ensures Food Safety: Regulatory approval reduces the chances of contamination and health risks of food products as it certifies food safety and health standards.
- Builds Consumer Trust: Consumers are aware that approved food products are safe and meet the required standards. Thus, approval not only improves the quality of the brand’s reputation but also boosts the credibility of the business.
- Legal Compliance: Businesses that operate without any legal approvals in Nigeria risk facing severe fines, legal actions, or even being shutdown. These regulations set by public offices ensure a working framework for smoother business operations and the food safety laws in Nigeria are no different.
- Expanded Reach For New Sales Opportunities: A variety of food products approved by the regulatory body can be marketed online or offline through food stores and supermarkets to increase exports and retail sales.
- Greater Strategic Edge: A firm is at a better risk management position than competitors that don’t have legal approval and can attract partners and sign agreements with important wholesalers more effortlessly.
Populacert: Your Partner In Obtaining Proper Certification For Your Business In Nigeria
Certifications like ISO 22000 have become indispensable in today’s competitive business world. Trust building efforts, quality assurance, and access to new markets are made easier with these certifications. The problem lies with the time and energy needed to go through the certification’s bureaucratic process. This is where Populacert comes in, providing encapsulated solutions for seamless Populacert in Nigeria.
Certification Offered by Popularcert :
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management)
- ISO 9001(Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 ( Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
Cost Of ISO 22000 Certification In Nigeria
ISO 22000 certification in Nigeria is obtained at a certain fee which depends on different variables. The complexity and size of the business greatly determine the cost of obtaining certification. Large companies with complex processes tend to spend more due to the extensive auditing that is conducted. Companies that already have a well organized food safety management system in place are likely to spend less on obtaining certification compared to those building from scratch. The latter group will certainly require more resources.
Consulting and training also impact the overall fees. A company may not have in-house resources to draft the documentation or train the staff and hence will need an expert. A competent consultant will surely increase overall expenses. There are varying fees imposed by different certification bodies for auditing as well as for issuing the certificate. It is therefore important to choose a proper provider. One of the benefits of ISO 22000 certification is that it is valid for three years which gives a business ample time to budget for the ongoing compliance surveillance audits.
Why Choose Poppularcert For Nigeria business?
PopularCert is a top notch ISO consulting company. We are proud to have a talented team, all experts from varied fields. We are here to help companies sync up with worldwide standards, boosting their global edge. We value simplicity, openness, and honesty in our workflows. This makes it smoother for businesses to follow international rules, minus the headaches.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION NOW
FAQ
What is ISO 22000 Certification and why is it important?
ISO 22000 Certification establishes a Food Safety Management System (FSMS), ensuring safe production, processing, and delivery of food products. It is crucial for minimizing foodborne risks, meeting legal requirements, and gaining consumer trust. This certification enhances global market access, promotes public health, and strengthens a business’s reputation for safety and quality.
How can my organization achieve ISO 22000 Certification?
Getting ISO 22000 certification involves actions like applying the standard, giving training, doing internal checks, and going through certification audits.
What are the benefits of ISO 22000 Certification for businesses?
Gaining an ISO 22000 Certification can do a lot of good. It boosts food safety. It helps comply with rules. It also uplifts your reputation and opens up new markets and even helps you on getting the tenders.
How long does it take to obtain ISO 22000 Certification?
Visitors can be guided through ISO 22000, its importance, and the services your consultancy offers by structured content