Nigeria: GLOBAL.G.A.P. & GRASP Certification, Solar Plant, Dobi Agrico leads by example

DOBI AGRICO LIMITED, based in Abuja, is a Nigerian agro business that specializes in growing and processing vegetables, herbs, and spices. Their range of crops includes capsicum (bell pepper/bird eye chilies), tomatoes, cucumber, baby corn, butternut squash, common bean, spring onions, and more. The company is dedicated to exporting its products while maintaining high standards of agricultural practices for both domestic and international markets. To support their endeavors, Dobi Agrico joined the Fit for Market SPS (FFM SPS) programme in 2021.

With the support of COLEAD, Dobi Agrico embarked on a journey to implement good agricultural practices, resulting in its certification against the globally recognized GLOBALG.A.P. standard in October 2022. As one of Nigeria’s pioneering vegetable producers, Dobi Agrico has achieved this prestigious certification!

The certification serves as evidence of Dobi Agrico’s commitment to implementing good agricultural practices on its farm in Gwagwalada, near Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. COLEAD’ support involved capacity building for Dobi Agrico’s technical team, focusing on the standard’s requirements, crop protection trainings, assistance in adapting the company’s quality management system, and a mock audit. Dobi Agrico has made significant infrastructure changes and investments to align with best practices, while also dedicating resources to record-keeping, sampling, training, and more.

In addition to the GLOBALG.A.P. certification, Dobi Agrico underwent a successful assessment of its social practices against the GRASP (GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice) standard in August 2022. The company demonstrated full compliance with all 10 control points relevant to its operations. This accomplishment positions Dobi Agrico as one of the pioneering companies in Nigeria to pass a GRASP assessment.

Dobi AgriCo Ltd has recently inaugurated its new 95 kW solar plant, a renewable energy project that represents a significant milestone in the farm’s commitment to sustainability, sustainable operations, and the generation of clean energy. With the installation of 170 solar panels, the farm will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 24 metric tons annually, while also saving approximately 64,000 liters of diesel consumption per year. This momentous step in commissioning the solar power plant not only allows the farm to decrease its carbon footprint but also positions it as a leading example of sustainable agricultural operations in Nigeria.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market SPS programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union.

This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.