The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has brought attention to a pressing issue affecting Nigeria’s agro export sector – the rejection of several agricultural commodities in foreign markets.
This trend has raised concerns about the adherence to standardized procedures and the overall quality of exports originating from the country.
Speaking at the 3rd CHINET Aviacargo conference in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu O.A., Deputy Director of the Export Division at NAFDAC’s Ports Inspection Directorate, shared insights into the list of 10 goods that have consistently faced rejection abroad.
The commodities on this list include sesame, beans, melon seeds, peanuts and smoked fish/fish meal, ginger, spices paper, hibiscus flower, palm oil, and ogbono.
Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the reasons for rejection are multi-faceted.
One of the core issues is the non-adherence to established standards throughout the supply chain – from the farmers and producers to the regulatory agencies and handlers involved in export logistics.
Freight forwarders, cargo handlers, airlines/carriers, and regulatory bodies must all work together to ensure that goods meet the stringent requirements of international markets.
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Furthermore, poor inter-agency collaboration and a lack of cohesive efforts among stakeholders have exacerbated the problem. This disconnect has contributed to inconsistent quality control measures and hindered the nation’s ability to provide products that align with global standards.
In light of this situation, the Deputy Director stressed the urgent need for collaboration and coordination among all parties involved in the agro export process.
As Nigeria seeks to expand its agricultural exports and increase its market share on the global stage, it’s crucial to uphold high standards of quality, safety, and compliance.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that by enforcing adherence to standardized procedures and improving collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria can not only reduce the instances of export rejection but also enhance its reputation as a reliable and quality-focused supplier in the international agro trade market.
The unveiling of the list by NAFDAC serves as a wake-up call for the agricultural sector, urging farmers, producers, regulatory bodies, and logistics partners to work together to elevate the quality of Nigerian agro products.
As the nation aims to tap into the vast potential of global markets, it must first address these critical challenges and demonstrate its commitment to delivering top-notch products that meet the expectations of international consumers.
