Despite the presence of several quality assurance federal agencies, Nigerian agricultural products face consistent rejection abroad, undermining efforts to diversify our foreign currency earnings.
In May this year, one of the agencies responsible for promoting quality assurance for our agricultural exports, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, complained that over 70 per cent of our agricultural exports were rejected abroad. The Director General of the Agency, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, attributed this to the poor state of facilitation for regulated products for export.
Nigeria, with its rich agricultural resources, has long been positioned as a potential powerhouse in the global agricultural export market. However, the persistent issue of rejected agricultural exports has been a significant setback for the country's economy. Understanding the reasons behind these rejections and implementing effective solutions is crucial for Nigeria to unlock its full export potential.
At a forum organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, in collaboration with domestic and foreign partners, Bielecki said: “I have spoken with (Nigerian) producers who are challenged with the difficulty of exporting Nigerian produce to the world, including the US. They have reported a high rate of rejection.
Reasons for Rejection:
1. Quality Control Issues:
One of the primary reasons for the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports is the lack of stringent quality control measures. Inconsistent quality, contaminated products, and inadequate packaging often lead to rejections in international markets.
2. Pesticide Residue and Contamination:
Excessive pesticide residues and contamination in agricultural products have raised concerns among importing countries. Failure to adhere to international standards regarding permissible residue levels leads to rejections, tarnishing Nigeria's reputation in the global market.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure:
Poor transportation and storage infrastructure contribute to the deterioration of agricultural products during transit. This can result in compromised quality upon arrival, leading to rejection by importing nations.
4. Documentation and Certification Issues:
Inaccurate or incomplete documentation, including certificates of origin and compliance, can lead to rejections at customs. Strict adherence to international trade regulations and certifications is imperative to gain the trust of importing countries.
5. Lack of Traceability:
Traceability throughout the supply chain is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products. The absence of robust traceability systems makes it difficult to identify and address issues, increasing the likelihood of rejection.
During a forum organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in collaboration with both domestic and foreign partners, Bielecki highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian producers attempting to export goods globally, including to the US. The reported high rate of rejection stems mainly from insufficient documentation on food safety.
The persistence of regulatory inadequacies hampers our attempts to market agricultural products in foreign territories, despite the presence of numerous regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and SON, the latter appearing to overlap with NAFDAC's functions. Agencies like the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NINAS) are specifically tasked with ensuring international standards for food exports, yet they seem to fall short in fulfilling their mandates.
Calls for collaboration among these agencies are frequent at public forums, but little action follows. During the Muhammadu Buhari regime, there was a strong emphasis on diversifying foreign exchange sources, with Mr. Audu Ogbe appointed as the Minister of Agriculture. Despite promises to address the concerning rate of export rejections, tangible results were not achieved.
Possible Solutions:
1. Investment in Quality Control:
The Nigerian government and agricultural stakeholders should invest in modern quality control infrastructure and processes. Implementing rigorous testing procedures can ensure that exported products meet international standards.
2. Training and Capacity Building:
Providing training programs for farmers on best agricultural practices, including the proper use of pesticides and adherence to quality standards, is crucial. Capacity building along the entire supply chain can significantly reduce the risk of rejections.
3. Infrastructure Development:
Investment in transportation, storage, and processing facilities is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of agricultural products. Upgrading infrastructure will not only reduce rejections but also enhance overall efficiency in the export process.
4. Enhanced Certification Processes:
Streamlining certification processes and ensuring accurate documentation is essential. Collaboration between relevant government agencies and the private sector can help establish a reliable and transparent certification system.
5. Technology Adoption:
Embracing technology for traceability, monitoring, and data management can improve the overall transparency of the supply chain. Implementing blockchain and other advanced technologies can help track the journey of products from farm to export, ensuring quality control at every step.
Conclusion:
Addressing the challenges associated with the rejection of Nigeria's agricultural exports requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By investing in quality control, infrastructure development, and technology adoption, Nigeria can overcome these obstacles and establish itself as a reliable and competitive player in the global agricultural market. With concerted efforts from the government, farmers, and the private sector, Nigeria can unlock its agricultural export potential and contribute significantly to economic growth.
We call on the Bola Tinubu regime to make a difference by working on these regulatory agencies and removing any clog in the wheel of inter-agency collaboration. Some of these agencies may need to be scrapped or merged. A presidential mandate is required to ensure that Nigerian exports enjoy a smoother ride in the international market. We need an end to our dependence on crude oil sales.
