FG Moves to End Rejection of Nigerian Farm Exports
The Federal Government has taken a major step toward addressing the frequent rejection of Nigerian agricultural products in international markets by inaugurating a Technical Working Group on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards.
Punch reports that the Federal Government set up the committee to tackle export rejections caused by non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other food safety requirements imposed by foreign markets. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, said the initiative is aimed at improving food safety standards and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global agricultural trade.
However, here’s what we found out: Nigerian farmers and exporters have faced significant challenges over the years as several agricultural products were denied entry into foreign markets due to concerns over pesticide residues and other contaminants. These rejections have resulted in financial losses, reduced confidence in Nigerian produce, and missed opportunities for businesses across the agricultural value chain.
According to the minister, the newly inaugurated Technical Working Group aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure that agricultural products from Nigeria not only meet production goals but also satisfy internationally accepted quality and safety standards.
The committee will bring together experts from government agencies, regulatory bodies, research institutions, academia, private sector organizations, commodity associations, and development partners to develop practical solutions to the country’s residue management challenges.
Abdullahi emphasized that the group is expected to strengthen food control systems, improve compliance with safe pesticide-use practices, and help Nigerian exporters gain access to premium international markets. He also urged members to provide evidence-based recommendations that reflect both global best practices and local realities.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Marcus Ogunbiyi, noted that agriculture remains a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy through food security, employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and rural development. He warned that continued export rejections could negatively impact the country’s export ambitions and the livelihoods of farmers and agribusiness operators.
The chairman of the Technical Working Group, Lateef Oladimeji, stated that the committee would focus on reviewing existing standards, aligning national guidelines with international benchmarks, and strengthening laboratory capacity for monitoring and enforcement.
The committee’s responsibilities will also include identifying gaps in current policies, assessing pesticide residue levels in selected crops, recommending corrective measures, and developing a framework to improve residue and contaminant management nationwide.
The Technical Working Group is expected to submit its final report to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security within two months.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could improve the quality and safety of Nigerian agricultural products, increase export earnings, restore confidence among international buyers, and create new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses across the country.