FG Inaugurates Technical Working Group On Agricultural Standards

News in Brief:

—The new Technical Working Group will address residue challenges affecting agricultural exports and food safety compliance.

—Nigeria aims to reduce export rejections, improve quality standards and increase access to international markets.

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards as part of efforts to improve food safety, strengthen export quality and increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.

The initiative brings together experts from government institutions, regulatory agencies, research organisations, academia, private sector players and development partners to tackle challenges affecting agricultural produce standards.

Government Targets Safer Agricultural Production

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, claimed that establishing this group demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting safe, sustainable and globally accepted agricultural practices.

He noted that Nigerian agricultural products must meet international food safety requirements to compete effectively in global markets.

According to him, the group will focus on addressing residue-related concerns while improving the overall quality assurance system within the agricultural sector.

Abdullahi explained that Nigeria has experienced repeated export rejections due to failures in meeting Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

He stated that such challenges have affected farmers, exporters and the country’s reputation in international markets by causing financial losses and reducing buyer confidence.

The minister further stressed that pesticide residue and contamination require coordinated, scientific and practical solutions.

Strengthening Monitoring and Quality Control

The working group is expected to develop strategies to improve food control systems, promote responsible pesticide use and expand opportunities for Nigerian agricultural products in premium markets.

The government said the initiative would also support public health protection, increase export revenue and reduce losses caused by trade restrictions.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said improving agricultural quality systems is essential for food security, employment creation and economic growth.

He warned that continued export restrictions could negatively affect farmers’ income and limit opportunities within the agricultural value chain.

Chairman of the group and Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof Lateef Sanni, said they will review residue standards, strengthen laboratory capacity and improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

He assured that the committee would provide evidence-based recommendations to build a stronger food safety framework and position Nigeria’s agricultural products for greater global acceptance.