SON grants official certification for NAPRI yoghurt
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has officially issued a certification for NAPRI Yoghurt, a dairy product of the National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University.
According to the NAPRI Dairy Research Programme, the certification was on account of the product’s high safety, hygiene, and quality standards.
This is the first time a dairy product developed by NAPRI has attained this standard.
The certification confirms that NAPRI has met the nationally approved standards for production, hygiene, packaging, labeling, and consumer safety.
NAPRI Ag. Deputy Director, Dr Muhammad Sa’id Tanko, described the milestone as a “historic achievement” for Nigeria’s dairy sector.
Tanko said the feat marked a breakthrough for food security, economic growth, and dairy research in Nigeria.
He also said the certification had now positioned the product (NAPRI Yoghurt) for wider commercialisation and public acceptance.
A key pillar of this achievement, according to him, was NAPRI’s dedication to utilising fresh, and locally sourced cow milk.
“This backward integration strengthens the local dairy value chain, promotes import substitution, and builds consumer confidence”, he stressed.
The initiative, he further explained, would directly support the federal government’s drive towards agricultural transformation and local content development.
He emphasized that the milestone was realized through the strategic backing of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, and the NAPRI Ag. Executive Director, Prof Mohammed Rabi’u Hassan.
In his remarks on the landmark achievement, the NAPRI Ag. Executive Director, Prof Mohammed Rabi’u Hassan, described the development as a “significant accomplishment” for NAPRI.
“This certification is a significant accomplishment for the institute, and a reflection of years of dedicated research and product development efforts aimed at improving the dairy sector in Nigeria.
“It demonstrates our commitment to producing high-quality dairy products that meet national regulatory standards, while contributing to food security, nutrition, and value addition in the livestock sector”, he stated.
He further said the certification would enhance the institute’s capacity to compete in the dairy market and create new opportunities for collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Hassan stressed that NAPRI would sustain the high standards in research, innovation, and product development to support national progress, and to consolidate its mission of becoming a leading centre for dairy research in Nigeria and beyond.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (NEWS/NAM)
Sunday, 30th May, 2026
