Most Nano, Small, and Medium enterprises (NSMEs) in Nigeria struggle with product certification, regulatory compliance, and accessing competitive markets. To bridge this gap, and in line with its mandate to revolutionize agriculture in Africa by scaling and empowering young Africans to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformative agriculture and agrifood systems, TAGDev 2.0 Program (a collaborative efforts of University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), with support from RUFORUM Network and in partnership with Mastercard Foundation) collaborated with Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) to successfully organize a 2-Day intensive training for 100 Agro-processors.
The training with the theme “Equipping Agro-processors for industry compliance and competitive market access” was held at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from 9th – 10th April, 2026.
The training featured presentations by facilitators and resource persons from leading institutions including; Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),University of Port Harcourt, Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), among others.
The training highlights included theory and practical sessions on:
- Value addition on rice (processing, packaging, and quality standards)
- Plantain flour and pineapple chips (processing, packaging, and shelf-life extension)
- Fish & periwinkle processing (hygienic processing, packaging, and preservation)
- Cocoa powder processing (from bean to market-ready product)
- Bookkeeping for NSMEs (financial records, costing, and business sustainability).
- Certification requirements and key compliance challenges for value added food products.
Other key moments included:
- Goodwill Message by Dr. Ofon Udofia, CEO, Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM)
- Keynote Address by Prof. Ibisime Etela, TAGDev 2.0 Program Coordinator, University of Port Harcourt.
- Welcome address and introduction to NSPRI and Post-Harvest Technologies by Dr. Inana M.E., Zonal Coordinator, NSPRI Port Harcourt.
- Presentation of certificates of participation.
Indeed, TAGDev 2.0 is taking transformative steps to ensure young Africans are not just participating in agriculture, but thriving in building competitive enterprises that create jobs, ensure food security, and position agriculture as a true driver of national development.
At TAGDev 2.0 Program UniPort, when we equip one agro-processor with the right skills and certification, we unlock market access for dozens of farmers behind them. This is how we revolutionize agriculture.
#TAGDev2.0
#NSPRI
#UniPort
#AgroProcessing
#YouthInAgriculture
#MSMEs
