The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over the rejection of Nigerian food exports abroad, resulting in significant financial losses for exporters and the country. According to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, over 70% of food exports from Nigeria face rejection in European countries and the United States. To tackle this issue, NAFDAC emphasizes the need for collaboration with other government agencies at the ports to ensure the compliance of exported goods with regulatory requirements and improve the quality of Nigerian exports.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye highlights the poor state of export trade facilitation for regulated products leaving Nigeria as a significant cause for concern. A visit to NAFDAC’s export warehouses within the international airport reveals the underlying reasons for the continuous rejection of Nigerian exports abroad. In response to this challenge, NAFDAC is taking proactive measures by collaborating with government agencies at the ports. The goal is to enhance the regulation of export processes, including packaging, pre-shipment testing, and certification, to ensure the quality of goods and minimize rejections.
NAFDAC emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive regulatory framework and effective collaboration among all stakeholders in the export trade. The agency urges exporters, government agencies, and other relevant parties to work together to meet the quality standards and regulatory requirements of importing countries. By ensuring that exported goods are of the required quality and comply with international standards, Nigeria can improve its reputation as a reliable exporter and reduce financial losses resulting from rejected shipments.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasizes that the mandate of NAFDAC to safeguard public health is closely tied to the effective regulation of imports and exports. In an economy heavily dependent on imported finished products and raw materials, the role of NAFDAC at the ports and land borders is crucial. By ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water, NAFDAC plays a vital role in protecting the health of the populace. Adeyeye calls on all stakeholders in the export trade to recognize this responsibility and collaborate with NAFDAC for the benefit of the country.
The high rate of rejection of Nigerian food exports abroad poses significant challenges for exporters and the country’s economy. NAFDAC acknowledges the need for improved collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders in the export trade. By enhancing the regulation of export processes, conducting pre-shipment testing, and ensuring compliance with international standards, Nigeria can mitigate the rejection of its exports and preserve its reputation as a reliable exporter. NAFDAC’s call for collaboration emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to safeguard public health, promote the quality of Nigerian exports, and minimize financial losses caused by rejected shipments.