In a bid to bolster Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has formed a strategic alliance with key stakeholders to combat the recurring issue of Nigerian food exports being rejected in international markets.

This collaboration was highlighted in a statement by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Mr. Olusayo Akintola, following a recent press briefing in Abuja. The partnership was established during a NAFDAC Export Stakeholder’s Interactive Session, which included discussions with the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), the Network of Practicing Non-Oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN), as well as representatives from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, addressed concerns raised by cocoa industry stakeholders regarding draft cocoa regulations currently available for public review on the NAFDAC website. She emphasized that the session aimed to create a platform for meaningful dialogue on critical trade facilitation issues and to foster a unified approach among the agency and stakeholders within the export value chain.

Prof. Adeyeye stated that the primary objective of the meeting was to ensure that all parties involved in Nigeria’s international trade have a cohesive voice. She explained that regulations act as essential legal tools to uphold standards and ensure compliance across various sectors, including manufacturing, importation, exportation, distribution, and advertising.

Under her leadership, NAFDAC has updated and formalized 21 new regulations, covering various aspects of the agency’s functions, with export regulations being among those recently gazetted.

Expressing concern over the persistent issue of Nigerian products failing to meet international standards and facing rejection at global borders due to lack of NAFDAC certification, Prof. Adeyeye noted that some Nigerian products have been blacklisted by importing countries. This situation, she explained, stems from years of inadequate oversight and regulation of product quality and safety.

NAFDAC is committed to implementing both local and international regulatory interventions to prevent a complete ban on Nigerian food exports. The goal is to ensure that Nigerian products consistently meet international standards and avoid rejection in key global markets.

“The focus of today’s engagement is to address these concerns, bridge knowledge gaps, and build the necessary collaborations to elevate our regulated product exports in international trade,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.

She clarified that NAFDAC’s regulatory efforts are not intended as a revenue-generating activity but rather as a facilitative process aimed at streamlining trade and ensuring compliance with international standards, particularly in markets like the EU and the U.S.

Prof. Adeyeye assured stakeholders that companies with registered and compliant export products would face fewer regulatory inspections, with a more streamlined process based on compliance and risk levels.

Dr. Olusola Obajimu, Director-General of NACCIMA, expressed support for the proposed regulations, emphasizing their importance in achieving global standards and enhancing Nigeria’s export potential. He pledged continued collaboration with NAFDAC to boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings through effective non-oil export trade.