NSL undergoes Pre-Assessment of its Food Chemistry Lab
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Regional Consultant Mrs. Regina Vovo has conducted a pre-assessment audit of National Standards Lab (NSL). The assessment, which took place from the 23rd to 26th January 2023, had the sole purpose of determining the readiness of the food chemistry lab for accreditation against the international standards ISO 17025.
The pre assessment commenced with an opening session with the management and staff of NSL, at which time the consultant gave an orientation of her mission. She underscore the significance of the accreditation of the lab as key step towards trade facilitation. She gave overview of the West Africa Competitiveness Program (WACOM) and its support framework in getting labs in the region achieving international accreditation. She stressed that accreditation of the NSL was critical to support the cassava value chain both at national and regional levels.
After the introduction program, the Regional Consultant conducted a full of activities which included a full Audit of the food chemistry lab and its quality management system, follow-up training of staff on the requirements of the ISO 17025:2017, closing meeting with management and staff of NSL and consultative meeting with EU delegation.
At the end of the Mission, the Regional Consultant attested that NSL is in good position for the accreditation as there are overwhelming evidence of compliance with the international standard of ISO 10725:2017. She however recommended some minimal nonconformities for areas that needs improvement, which were mostly associated with documentation and the environment. These were discussed with technical staff with the expectation of implementing corrective actions within three weeks. With this in place, the next phase of the accreditation is the scheduling of the actual assessment by Nigeria National Accreditation Services; which is the accreditation body to grant the accreditation within time framework as of now to March 2023.
Assessment to determine Readiness for International Accreditation