FG Moves To End Export Rejection, Assembles Experts, Review Standards 

In a bid to end export rejections of Nigerian agricultural commodities due to non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has set up a committee made up of experts to review standards and procedures.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Committee, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi said that the government was making moves to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international agricultural markets.

It would be recalled that many Nigerian Agric produce have continually been rejected in European markets due to non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.

The Minister said that the experts assembled would ensure that all procedures and standards were complied with by farmers and exporters.

He noted that, “over the years, Nigeria has recorded several cases of export rejections of agricultural commodities due to non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.”

These rejections, the Minister said, have resulted in economic losses, reduced market confidence, and missed opportunities for farmers, exporters, and agribusinesses.

He added that, “the growing concerns over pesticide residues, contaminants, and food safety issues demand a coordinated, science-based, and multi-sectoral response. This underscores the necessity for establishing this Technical Working Group.”

In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr Bukar Musa noted that agriculture remains “A critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, and rural development.”

He warned that the increasing rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports due to non-compliance with international residue standards “Poses a serious challenge to our export aspirations and threatens the livelihoods of our farmers and agribusiness operators.”

Responding on behalf of the Technical Working Group, the Chairman, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji San stated that the inauguration marks “A significant step” to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural quality assurance system and ensure produce “meets acceptable residue standards in line with global best practices.”

He explained that the TWG’s mandate includes reviewing existing standards, harmonising national guidelines with international benchmarks, and strengthening laboratory capacity for monitoring and enforcement.