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By Vivian Emoni
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, has expressed issues over rejection of Sesame seeds and Cowpea merchandise, on account of non-compliance with worldwide requirements.
Oduwole mentioned this in Abuja on Wednesday, whereas
inaugurating a Standing Working Group for Implementation of Standard and Trade Development Facility (STDF) 845 undertaking on Sesame seed and Cowpea, by Nigeria Export Promotion (NEPC).
She mentioned that evaluation confirmed that Nigerian
sesame and cowpea exports have been more and more being rejected on account of non-compliance with worldwide requirements.
According to her, detailed information and precise rejection volumes, financial values and the variety of consignments affected by complaints and seizures spotlight the extreme implications for export efficiency.
“This evidence is critical for convincing our trading partners of our commitment to stringent quality controls,” she mentioned.
The minister mentioned 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 pushed by extreme pesticide residues and microbial contamination have led to quite a few consignments being rejected.
“Our information, as detailed in our current report on the check-in, reveals tangible figures volumes, values and documented
situations of seizures.
“It also reveals number of penalties that underscore thesevere impact on our export performance and Nigeria’s standing among global exporters,” she mentioned.
Oduwole mentioned that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was indispensable in setting requirements for Good Agricultural Practices and making certain widespread consciousness and schooling.
She urged NAFDAC to work hand-in-hand with the ministry by Nigeria Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) , to ascertain a strong National Traceability System (NTS) by partaking companions.
She additionally mentioned that NAFDAC had proven
commendable resolve by figuring out and eliminating
substandard manufacturing amenities.
“It is imperative that this level of rigour be extended to all goods destined for international markets,” she mentioned.
Oduwole mentioned that Value Chain Vulnerabilities, Operational Gaps Pesticide Application and Monitoring Field research revealed that pesticide utility within the sesame and cowpea worth chains relied predominantly on conventional, expertise pushed strategies.
“This is with minimal use of goal instruments or monitoring programs. This inconsistency considerably
heightens the chance of exceeding Maximum Residue Levels.
She famous that the ministry was dedicated to partaking with Japanese counterparts to resolve the present export ban and pave approach for renewed market entry.
“We have a singular alternative to remodel this problem right into a landmark achievement.
“Today, we validate our baseline research findings and inaugurate our standing committee for efficient implementation.
“We will start a complete
Train-the-Trainers programme on Integrated Pest Management.
“Your unwavering assist, technical experience, and
steadfast dedication are important to this endeavour.
“Let us transfer collectively to make sure we resolve our challenges and obtain our imaginative and prescient, making certain
that Nigerian exports stay synonymous with excellence and international competitiveness.
Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General, NEPC, mentioned that the STDF 845 undertaking for sesame and cowpea was a three-year co-funded undertaking between the International Trade Centre and the NEPC.
Ayeni mentioned that the undertaking was to boost the standard of Nigeria’s sesame and cowpea export by making certain compliance with pesticide residue ranges and avoiding salmonella contamination.
“The partnership aims to reduce rejections of Nigerian cowpea and sesame exports in the global market.”
The director-general mentioned the market worth of sesame within the worldwide market, which stood at 7.67 billion {dollars} in 2025, was anticipated to develop at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of two.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 mentioned that Nigeria was the second largest exporter of sesame seeds in Africa and third on the planet whereas the product was exported primarily to Europe, North America, the Far East and the Middle East.
She mentioned the market worth of cowpea, presently value 7.60 billion {dollars}, was anticipated to develop at CAGR of 5.5 per cent in 2030.
“Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cowpeas. Cowpea is a crucial crop in Nigeria which contributes considerably to meals safety, diet and income.
“These underscore the significance of the STDF 845 undertaking and the necessity for a baseline research.
“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 mentioned.
Mr Simon Heisig, Programme Officer, International Trade Centre (ITC), mentioned that his workplace would guarantee most assist to make sure efficient implementation of the undertaking. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu