The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has revealed that more than 70% of food exports from Nigeria are rejected in foreign countries.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the new NAFDAC office complex for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport/NAHCO in Lagos, Prof Adeyeye emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration between NAFDAC and other government agencies at the ports to address the issue of rejected food exports.
In a statement by the Resident Media Consultant to NAFDAC, Sayo Akintola, Prof Adeyeye explained that the deplorable state of export trade facilitation for regulated products leaving the country has been a significant concern for the agency. A visit to NAFDAC’s export warehouses at the international airport would reveal the main reasons behind the continuous rejection of Nigerian exports abroad.
However, the NAFDAC DG acknowledged that the agency is taking proactive steps to address this challenge by working closely with other agencies at the ports to ensure that goods meet the regulatory requirements of the importing countries.
Prof Adeyeye also expressed appreciation for the collaboration between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service, highlighting their crucial role in facilitating the agency’s work. She emphasized that without customs, NAFDAC would not be able to achieve many of its objectives. The collaboration between the two entities is vital as NAFDAC operates as a multifaceted organization, involving scientific, law enforcement, and security aspects. The agency also collaborates with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services to ensure due diligence in the export process.
The rejection of over 70% of Nigerian products abroad not only impacts exporters financially but also affects the country’s reputation. Prof Adeyeye stressed the importance of collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the police, who play a significant role in investigations and enforcement activities.
The NAFDAC DG’s remarks shed light on the challenges faced by Nigerian food exports and the agency’s commitment to addressing them. Strengthening collaboration among government agencies and implementing rigorous quality control measures are crucial steps toward ensuring the acceptance and success of Nigerian exports on the global stage.
