ECOCERT Renews WACOT’s Certification to Export Organic Sesame

In a significant boost for the global organic food market, WACOT Limited, a TGI Group company,
has once again secured its prestigious certification from ECOCERT to export organic sesame.
This renewal emphasizes WACOT’s adherence to the highest international standards, and
positions Jigawa state as a pivotal organic sesame source for the US and worldwide markets.

ECOCERT, the France-based global leader in organic certification, reaffirmed its confidence in
WACOT by renewing the two critical certifications on January 26, 2024. These certifications
validate WACOT’s exceptional processes for preparing, storing, and exporting organic sesame
from its facilities in Ikeja, Lagos, and Gumel, Jigawa State. Such endorsements testify to
WACOT’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and quality assurance in its extensive
operations across Nigeria.
The first certificate, EU 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. Concurrently, the second organic certificate, is
in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic
Program (NOP).
The National Organic Program (NOP), tasked with the responsibility to create guidelines and
protocols governing the production, processing, labeling, and oversight of all USDA-certified
organic goods, has affirmed WACOT’s compliance with the rigorous organic standards set forth
by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group, WACOT’s parent company, expressed his
pride in this achievement, stating, “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.”

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 WACOT’s renewal of its ECOCERT 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 recognizing their commitment to
organic sesame exports; it’s a testament to Nigeria’s prominence in the global commodities
market. This milestone is a source of encouragement for other players in the Nigerian market to
continue to seek ways and seize the opportunity to expand the footprint of Nigeria’s high-
quality commodities across the world.”

Yosola Onanuga, Head of Sustainability at TGI Group, highlighted this 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 sees approximately 80% 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 ₦1 billion in input credit financing for farmers, such
as certified seeds, fertilisers, and other crop protection tools. They also provided a guaranteed
market for conventional sesame produce through a buy-back arrangement with farmer
cooperatives. 

With the global sesame market projected to reach USD 21.57 billion by 2028, WACOT Limited’s
role is more crucial than ever. This certification renewal marks a significant milestone for
WACOT and Nigeria’s agricultural sector, paving the way for continued growth, innovation, and
sustainability in the years to come.

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