Ministry commits to mitigating negative regulatory issues in agro commodities export
By Vivian Emoni
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has assured stakeholders in the non-oil export sector that the ministry is fully committed to mitigating negative regulatory issues in the agro commodities export.
Oduwole gave the assurance in Abuja, while inaugurating a Standing Working Group for the Implementation of Standard and Trade Development Facility (STDF) 845 Project on Sesame Seed and Cowpea, by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
She said that the efforts would ensure that Nigerian products such as sesame seeds, cowpea and other products meet international standards.
It would be recalled that Nigerian sesame and cowpea exports were increasingly being rejected due to non-compliance with international standards.
According to her, detailed data and actual rejection volumes, monetary values and the number of consignments affected by complaints and seizures highlight the severe implications for export performance.
“This evidence is critical for convincing our trading partners of our commitment to stringent quality controls,” she said.
The minister said that Nigeria was the fourth largest producer of sesame globally, with Japan alone representing 40 per cent of sesame export.
“Yet, we face challenges, stringent border controls driven by excessive pesticide residues and microbial contamination have led to numerous consignments being rejected.
“Our data, as detailed in our recent report at the check-in, reveals tangible figures, volumes, values and documented instances of seizures.
“It also reveals a number of penalties that underscore the severe impact on our export performance and Nigeria’s standing among global exporters,” she said.
Oduwole said that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was indispensable in setting standards for Good Agricultural Practices and ensuring widespread awareness and education.
She urged NAFDAC to work hand-in-hand with the ministry through NEPC to establish a robust National Traceability System (NTS) by engaging partners.
She also said that NAFDAC had shown commendable resolve by identifying and eliminating substandard production facilities.
“It is imperative that this level of rigour be extended to all goods destined for international markets,” she said.
Oduwole said that Value Chain Vulnerabilities, Operational Gaps Pesticide Application and Monitoring Field studies revealed that pesticide application in the sesame and cowpea value chains relied predominantly on traditional, experience driven methods.
“This is with minimal use of objective tools or monitoring systems. This inconsistency significantly heightens the risk of exceeding Maximum Residue Levels.
She noted that the ministry was committed to engaging with Japanese counterparts to resolve the current export ban and pave way for renewed market access.
“We have a unique opportunity to transform this challenge into a landmark achievement. Today, we validate our baseline study findings and inaugurate our standing committee for effective implementation.
“We will commence a comprehensive Train-the-Trainers programme on Integrated Pest Management.
“Your unwavering support, technical expertise, and steadfast commitment are essential to this endeavour.
“Let us move together to ensure we resolve our challenges and achieve our vision, ensuring that Nigerian exports remain synonymous with excellence and global competitiveness.
Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of NEPC, said that the STDF 845 project for sesame and cowpea was a three-year co-funded project between the International Trade Centre and the NEPC.
Ayeni said that the project was to enhance the quality of Nigeria’s sesame and cowpea export by ensuring compliance with pesticide residue levels and avoiding salmonella contamination.
“The partnership aims to reduce rejections of Nigerian cowpea and sesame exports in the global market.”
The director-general said the market value of sesame in the international market, which stood at 7.67 billion dollars in 2025, was expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.3 per cent in 2030.
“Only last year, Nigeria exported 463.827 million dollars worth of sesame seed in the global market reaffirming the huge value the commodity brings to the economic growth of the non-oil export sector.”
She said that Nigeria was the second largest exporter of sesame seeds in Africa and third in the world while the product was exported mainly to Europe, North America, the Far East and the Middle East.
She said the market value of cowpea, presently worth 7.60 billion dollars, was expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5 per cent in 2030.
“Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cowpeas. Cowpea is a vital crop in Nigeria which contributes significantly to food security, nutrition and revenue.
“These underscore the importance of the STDF 845 project and the need for a baseline study.
“The baseline study of cowpea and sesame is critical in understanding current practices, procedures, and regulations with respect to sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards,” she said.
Mr Simon Heisig, Programme Officer, International Trade Centre (ITC), said that his office would ensure maximum support to ensure effective implementation of the project. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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