FG unveils committee to tackle rejection of farm exports

Nigeria's Federal Government has launched an interministerial committee to overhaul its agricultural quarantine system, a move aimed at curbing the rejection of the country's farm exports and boosting non-oil trade. The committee's formation signals a commitment to international standards and the "Renewed Hope Agenda" of President Bola Tinubu.

During the inauguration in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah Odoh, emphasized Nigeria's inability to sustain losses from export rejections due to non-compliance. She stated the committee's role in strengthening policy coordination, removing institutional barriers, harmonizing regulations, and aligning the quarantine system with global best practices.

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The Committee was inaugurated on behalf of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building an efficient, internationally compliant agricultural quarantine system capable of protecting Nigeria’s agricultural resources while enhancing the country’s access to regional and global markets.

The committee comprises representatives from key government ministries, regulatory bodies, research institutions, and farmer associations. They are tasked with developing a coordinated framework to enhance Nigeria's agricultural biosecurity. The government expressed confidence that the committee's recommendations will bolster the biosecurity framework, improve agricultural trade, increase farmers' incomes, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria's agricultural products meet international standards, thereby improving market access in regional and global markets and strengthening the nation's economic resilience.

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Dr Odoh observed that Nigeria can no longer afford the losses associated with the rejection of agricultural exports due to non-compliance with international standards. He stated that the establishment of the Inter-ministerial Committee demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen policy coordination, eliminate institutional bottlenecks, harmonise regulatory processes, and align Nigeria’s agricultural quarantine system with global best practices.