By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Nigeria’s sesame exports are facing increasing rejection in international markets due to quality and safety issues, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has warned.
The council said the challenge is not production capacity but failure to meet global standards.
According to NEPC officials, major problems include the misuse of agrochemicals such as paraquat, poor drying techniques, and weak post-harvest handling practices that leave harmful residues in export consignments.
These lapses, they noted, are affecting Nigeria’s reputation as a leading sesame exporter and could threaten foreign exchange earnings if not urgently addressed.
To tackle the issue, NEPC has intensified farmer sensitisation and training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), focusing on safer chemical use, proper harvesting methods, and improved storage and transportation systems.
Agricultural experts warn that without strict compliance with international standards, Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge in the global sesame market.
