The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, recently revealed a concerning fact: over 70% of food exports from Nigeria face rejection abroad.
This raises questions about the safety of consuming below-standard food products and calls for an examination of the causes and potential solutions.
The rejection of Nigerian food exports in some European countries and the United States of America has reached a staggering 70%. This indicates a significant failure to meet the regulatory requirements of importing nations and raises concerns about the quality and safety of the food products originating from Nigeria. These rejections highlight a systemic issue that demands urgent attention.
Instances of substandard food products in Nigeria have further contributed to the rejection rates. Examples include adulterated spices, contaminated grains, unsafe food additives, and unhygienically processed products. These products not only jeopardize the health of consumers but also tarnish Nigeria’s reputation in the global market.
The deplorable state of export trade facilitation for regulated products leaving Nigeria has been identified as a significant cause of rejection.
The lack of compliance with regulatory requirements, including quality control, hygiene standards, and proper documentation, has resulted in the frequent refusal of Nigerian food exports. Inadequate infrastructure and limited coordination between government agencies at the ports have further exacerbated the problem.
To combat this issue, collaboration between NAFDAC and other government agencies at the ports is essential. Strengthening these partnerships will ensure that goods meet the regulatory standards of importing countries.
Additionally, NAFDAC has established collaborations with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, and law enforcement agencies.
These collaborations aim to enhance due diligence, enforcement, and investigation processes, thus improving the overall quality and safety of Nigerian food exports.
To effectively address the problem of rejected food exports, there is a need for significant investments in infrastructure and training.
Upgrading export warehouses, implementing advanced inspection technologies, and enhancing laboratory capabilities will help ensure that products leaving the country meet international standards. Moreover, training programs should be conducted for exporters, raising awareness about compliance requirements and good manufacturing practices.
A comprehensive quality control and standardization framework should be established to monitor the production, processing, and packaging of food products in Nigeria. This will involve the development and enforcement of stringent regulations, regular inspections, and certification processes. By promoting a culture of quality and safety, Nigeria can regain trust in its food exports.
The high rejection rates of Nigerian food exports abroad are a matter of grave concern, not only for the exporters but also for the health and reputation of the nation.
It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address the underlying causes and implement collaborative solutions involving NAFDAC, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
By prioritizing compliance, investing in infrastructure, and promoting quality control, Nigeria can ensure the safety and acceptability of its food exports in the global market, fostering economic growth and protecting public health.
