About NiNAS

The Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) is Nigeria’s national accreditation body (NAB) responsible for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) such as laboratories (testing, medical testing and calibration), inspection bodies and certification bodies, in accordance with the relevant ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) series of standards and guides. NiNAS’ accreditation attests to the technical competence and impartiality of the CABs to consistently provide conformity assessment services that are recognised internationally. Accreditation reduces the need for multiple inspections of goods and services supplied by accredited CABs.

NiNAS was established as a key component of the National Quality Infrastructure Project (NQIP) for Nigeria. NQIP is aimed at supporting the missing standards and quality control bodies, which Nigeria needs in order to improve the quality of goods and services exchanged in both the national and international markets. NQIP will ensure the safety, integrity and marketability of goods and services, and the removal of technical barriers to trade.

As a Nigerian entity, NiNAS provides cost effective accreditation services that are easily accessible by organisations operating both in Nigeria and in the West Africa region. Apart from accreditation, NiNAS also provides training in ISO standards.

NiNAS involvement in the activities of international groups like AFRAC, IHAF, ILAC and IAF provides for international recognition of conformity assessment services through the concept of Multi-Lateral Mutual Recognition Arrangements (Arrangements). As a Full Member of AFRAC and an Associate Member of ILAC, NiNAS is working towards becoming a signatory to the different Arrangements of these organisations. This reduces the need for reassessment of goods and services supplied by organisations that have NiNAS accreditation and as a result helps in reducing barriers to trade.

NiNAS is a not-for-profit organization registered initially by the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part C (Incorporated Trustees) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 (Cap C20, LFN 2004). However, in 2019, NiNAS was reincorporated as a company Limited by Guarantees with the following mandates:

To act as the sole National Accreditation Body (NAB) of Nigeria charged with the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies (CABs). …

In order to support its activities, NiNAS charges fees for the provision of accreditation and training services. Accredited CABs sign the Agreement for the Use of NiNAS Accreditation Symbols that require them to display NiNAS accreditation symbols on their conformity assessment reports and certificates. NiNAS Policy on the Use of Accreditation Symbols provides sanctions for the misuse of the symbols.

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