Agri-business: FG optimistic over unbanning agricultural commodities by EU, others 

The Federal Government on Thursday says it is hopeful the ban on Nigeria agricultural commodities by the European Union, United States of America, will be lifted.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, said this during the briefing by the Standing Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee (SIMTC) on Agro Zero Reject Initiative on Thursday in Abuja.

The SIMTC was inaugurated on Feb. 28, 2021, with the mandate of ensuring that the ban by European Union (EU), on export of Nigerian beans was lifted and that Nigeria never again suffer any reject on her agro commodities in the export market.

It would be recalled that in 2015, the EU banned importation of Nigerian beans on account of containing high level of pesticide, considered harmful to health.

The minister made the statement based on the current effort of the committee to ensure Nigerian agricultural produce were accepted at the international market.

Abubakar, after being briefed by the SIMTC, said Nigeria’s potential on agricultural commodities export was huge, adding that the Nigeria Integrated Export Control Plan (IECP), should be put together meticulously.

 “There is no doubt that Nigeria cannot realise its potential unless we do the right thing; work together first of all, and also realise and understand dealing with other agencies, private sector and governments across the world.

“It is not an easy task doing export business, there are a lot of regulations, and unless you start by putting your own home well, you will not be able to work outside.

“If we want to make headway we must come down and learn to work with one another, and that really needs to be done to achieve success.