Lagos, June 16, 2026 – Key players in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have welcomed the Federal Government’s latest efforts aimed at improving the quality and global acceptance of the country’s food exports.
The commendation follows the recent inauguration of a Technical Working Group on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The committee has been tasked with addressing persistent challenges that have led to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural products in international markets, particularly issues related to excessive chemical residues and non-compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General of Youths for Apiculture Initiative, Mr Yusuf Adeyemo, described the move as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural export sector.
He noted that the country loses more than 700 million dollars annually due to rejected exports caused by pesticide contamination, aflatoxins, weak traceability systems and failure to meet international safety standards.
According to Adeyemo, improving quality assurance practices at the production stage is critical to addressing the problem.
He expressed confidence that with strong political commitment, collaboration among relevant agencies and active private sector involvement, substantial progress could be achieved within the next two years.
Adeyemo also recommended the establishment of compliance centres at the farm level and regional laboratories to test for pesticide residues, aflatoxins and heavy metal contamination.
He further called for the introduction of traceability mechanisms for major export commodities including cashew, sesame, ginger and hibiscus, as well as extensive training programmes for farmers on proper agrochemical use, post-harvest management and drying techniques.
The apiculture expert added that dedicated export support units at ports and industry-driven certification systems would help reduce delays and improve adherence to international requirements.
He said the successful execution of the initiative would boost export revenues, create employment opportunities, increase farmers’ earnings and enhance Nigeria’s standing in global agricultural trade.
Also commenting, agricultural analyst and Co-founder of Corporate Farmers International, Mr Akin Alabi, identified inadequate quality control as one of the major obstacles limiting the acceptance of Nigerian agricultural products in foreign markets.
He observed that several Nigerian food exports had struggled to gain access to countries with stringent regulatory standards because of quality-related deficiencies.
Alabi said the newly established working group would help ensure that local agricultural practices meet global requirements, thereby expanding market opportunities for Nigerian exporters.
He stressed the need for greater investment in agro-processing and value addition to improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural products.
According to him, exporting processed products rather than raw commodities would enhance market acceptance and attract increased foreign investment into the sector.
Agriculture expert and farmer, Mr Omotunde Banjoko, also praised the initiative, describing it as a timely response to a longstanding challenge affecting the nation’s export performance.
Banjoko noted that excessive chemical residues in agricultural products had been a major factor behind repeated export rejections and urged authorities to promote safer and environmentally friendly farming methods, including biological approaches to weed and pest management.
He added that effective implementation of the programme would expand agricultural exports, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, stimulate production and deepen trade partnerships with other countries.
Banjoko expressed optimism that sustained commitment to the initiative would deliver lasting benefits for farmers, agribusinesses and the broader Nigerian economy.