In a concerted effort to curb the alarming rate of food export rejections from Nigeria to Europe and the United States, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a clarion call for collaboration with various trade groups involved in the export business. NAFDAC emphasized that the key to success in this endeavor lies in the alignment of major stakeholders in the export trade with appropriate electronic channels to obtain essential export certification.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ meeting titled ‘The Role of Freight Consolidator in the Export of NAFDAC Regulated Products,’ Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, underscored the importance of adhering to NAFDAC’s guidelines and securing certification through the appropriate regulatory channels for exports. Professor Adeyeye, who addressed the gathering through Mrs. Oluwaseyi Sanwo-Olu, the Head of Export Division at the Ports Inspection Directorate of NAFDAC, stressed that this collaborative effort is crucial to prevent financial losses for Nigeria and exporters alike.
Furthermore, NAFDAC has intensified its efforts to ensure that all regulated products intended for export meet the rigorous standards demanded by both national and international markets, with particular attention to the specifications of the destination country.
In a statement released by Professor Adeyeye, facilitated by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, she implored stakeholders in the export of NAFDAC-regulated food products to complement the agency’s regulatory policies aimed at safeguarding the exportation process and eliminating the rejection of Nigerian food exports.
Professor Adeyeye emphasized that the core objective of NAFDAC’s regulatory policy is to protect consumers and promote public health by ensuring that regulated products are of high quality, safe, efficacious, wholesome, and readily accepted in the global market.
She urged stakeholders to prioritize the use of top-notch raw materials and finished products for food production meant for export. Additionally, it was emphasized that personnel involved in production processes should be medically fit to prevent any risk of contamination.
Professor Adeyeye stated, “We expect that freight consolidators will be well-informed about the nature of the products they are handling, maintain product integrity, and guide exporters to factor in sufficient time for the processing of export certification. They must also adhere to documentation requirements for NAFDAC-regulated products before shipment and possess a deep understanding of quality, safety, and standards for the consignments they handle.”
Furthermore, a clear understanding of proper product handling, the use of approved packaging materials, group-packaging of similar products, and compliance with NAFDAC processes and procedures were highlighted as essential factors to minimize the risk of food export rejections.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s call for collaboration with trade groups and stakeholders signals a commitment to enhancing the quality and safety of Nigerian food exports while promoting the nation’s reputation in international markets. This initiative aims to protect the interests of both consumers and exporters, ensuring that Nigeria’s food products continue to be well-regarded worldwide.
