WACOT renews certification to export organic sesame

WACOT Limited, a TGI Group company has secured another certification from ECOCERT to export organic sesame. ECOCERT is a France-based global leader in organic certification, which was founded in 1991 and conducts inspections in over 80 countries, making it one of the largest in the world.

The certification made it possible for WACOT for preparing, storing and exporting organic sesame from its facilities in Ikeja, Lagos and Gumel, Jigawa states. The first certificate, which is the European Union ECOCERT Organic Standard (EOS), confirms WACOT’s compliance with the EU Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products facilitating European and Great Britain exports. The second organic certificate, is in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and National Organic Programme (NOP). The programme has the responsibility of creating guidelines and protocols governing the production, processing, labelling and oversight of all USDA-certified organic goods, has affirmed WACOT’s compliance with the rigorous organic standards approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Group Managing Director of TGI Group, WACOT’s parent company, Rahul Savara, said the achievement was a milestone for the companies and will boost farmer’s income.

“This certification renewal from ECOCERT is not just a validation of our dedication to sustainable and organic agriculture, but also a milestone that enhances our capability to meet the growing global demand for organic sesame”, he said. Similarly, the National President of the Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria, who is also the President, Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, commended the renewal of the certification to export organic sesame. He said, “We are excited that a company like WACOT is putting Nigeria’s sesame on the map. Celebrating WACOT’s ECOCERT certification is not just about recognising their commitment to organic sesame exports; it’s a testament to Nigeria’s prominence in the global commodities market to expand the footprint of Nigeria’s high-quality commodities across the world”, he said.

The Head of Sustainability at TGI Group, disclosed the renewal’s broader impact, noting that “It is a testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing the livelihoods of over 10,000 farmers through our initiatives in Jigawa State”. As one of the world’s leading sesame producers, Nigeria has approximately 80 per cent of its production exported annually with WACOT at the forefront of this highly-demanded crop cultivation. Over the past six years, WACOT’s approach has improved agricultural practices and yields and established a robust support system for farmers, including the pioneering WACOT Sesame Academy. In the same period, WACOT disbursed over N1 billion in input credit financing for farmers, such as certified seeds, fertilizers, and other crop protection tools. They also provided a guaranteed market for conventional sesame produce through a buy-back arrangement with farmer cooperatives. The certification renewal marks a significant milestone for WACOT and Nigeria’s agriculture sector, paving the way for continued growth, innovation, and sustainability in the years to come. A Lagos-based financial consultant, Yusuf Adebisi said the development would certainly open more agribusiness opportunities in the state.