The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently unveiled a concerning trend: the rejection of several locally produced food commodities from Nigeria in international markets. This rejection has been attributed to non-adherence to standardized clearance procedures and a lack of compliance with quality and safety standards. These challenges have prompted the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s agro export practices to ensure global acceptance of Nigerian products.
Commonly Rejected Export Food Commodities:
From 2018 till date, Nigeria has witnessed the rejection of key agro-export products in international markets. Among the top 10 rejected products are sesame, beans, melon seeds, peanuts, smoked fish/fish meal, ginger, spices paper, hibiscus flower, palm oil, and ogbono. The rejection of these commodities underscores the urgent need to address various health concerns that have been raised by international regulatory bodies.
Root Causes of Rejection:
The Deputy Director of the Export Division at NAFDAC, Sanwo-Olu O.A., highlighted the primary reasons behind the rejection of these commodities. One of the major concerns is the lack of adherence to established quality standards. Freight forwarders, cargo handlers, airlines/carriers, and regulatory agencies have been found to deviate from these standards, resulting in products that fall short of international requirements. Poor inter-agency collaboration has further compounded these issues, contributing to an inadequate system of checks and balances.
Health Concerns and Contamination Risks:
One of the central health concerns leading to the rejection of Nigerian agro-export products is the potential for contamination. Insufficient adherence to hygiene and storage standards during cultivation, processing, and transportation can lead to the presence of harmful pathogens, pesticides, and other contaminants. This not only poses risks to the health of consumers but also tarnishes the reputation of Nigerian products on the global stage.
Promoting Compliance and Collaboration:
In response to these challenges, it is imperative for all stakeholders involved in the agro-export process to come together and prioritize compliance with international standards. Collaborative efforts among freight forwarders, cargo handlers, airlines/carriers, and regulatory agencies can help establish a unified approach to quality assurance. Training programs that educate these stakeholders about best practices, quality control, and documentation processes should be implemented to improve the overall system.
The Way Forward:
The rejection of Nigerian agro-export products is a wake-up call for the nation to enhance its export practices. NAFDAC, as the leading regulatory agency, must take the lead in implementing comprehensive reforms. Strengthening quality control mechanisms, streamlining documentation processes, and fostering inter-agency collaboration are essential steps toward achieving global acceptance of Nigerian products.
Addressing health concerns and improving the adherence to quality standards within the agro-export sector is a shared responsibility. Through joint efforts from regulatory bodies, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and producers, Nigeria can regain its reputation as a reliable source of high-quality agro-export products. This transformation will not only boost international trade relations but also ensure the health and safety of consumers worldwide.
