Nigeria sets up committee to ensure acceptance of export commodities in global market
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has initiated an inter-ministerial committee to ensure the standardisation of agricultural commodities for export.
Sabo Nanono, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development noted that the newly established Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on Zero Reject of Agricultural Commodities and Produce/ Non-Oil Exports from Nigeria would ensure the standardisahamper tion of Nigeria’s agricultural produce and also ensure the acceptance of the country’s agricultural export in the international community.
According to Nanono the move has become imperative for Nigeria to avoid any embarrassment occasioned by the rejection of its agricultural produce, in the international community.
He also expressed concern over the recent rejection of Nigerian beans by the European Union, stressing that the situation, apart from posing a serious health threat, could the attainment of a food secure nation.
This, he said, should be a source of concern to Nigerians, particularly the ministries, departments and agencies charged with the responsibility of producing and certifying produce for export.
He added that the government’s desire for standard agricultural products and non-oil exports means there will be vigorous pursuit of investment in quality control and standardisation.
“As we pursue this, my ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is committed not only to food security, but wholesome foods of high quality acceptable for local consumption and export,” he assured.
Harping on the importance of agricultural export promotion, the minister charged all major players in the industry to create a partnership centred on achieving standardisation of agricultural produce in Nigeria.
He posited that the areas of handling our fresh produce, cold storage and post-harvest loss management are also major concerns as Nigeria works towards improvement of its export commodities.