Abuja: The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards to strengthen food safety, improve export quality, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets. Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safe and sustainable agricultural production.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the TWG brings together stakeholders from government, regulatory agencies, academia, research institutions, the private sector, and development partners to address residue-related challenges in agricultural produce. Abdullahi emphasized the increasing importance of ensuring that Nigerian agricultural products not only meet production targets but also comply with internationally accepted food safety and quality standards under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has faced repeated export rejections due to non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary standards. This trend has led to economic losses, reduced market confidence, and missed opportunities for farmers and exporters. He stressed that concerns over pesticide residues and contaminants necessitate a coordinated, science-based response.
The minister stated that the TWG is expected to develop practical solutions to strengthen national food control systems, improve pesticide use practices, and expand access to premium markets. He added that the group’s efforts would enhance public health, boost export earnings, and reduce post-harvest losses linked to trade restrictions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Mr. Bukar Usman, remarked that the initiative reflects the government’s drive to strengthen agricultural quality assurance systems. Agriculture remains central to food security, employment, and economic growth, but export rejections pose a threat to farmers’ livelihoods.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, Chairman of the TWG and Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), stated that the group would strengthen Nigeria’s food safety and quality assurance systems. It plans to review residue standards, align national guidelines with global benchmarks, strengthen laboratory capacity, and improve monitoring and enforcement. Sanni assured that the group would execute its mission with professionalism and evidence-based recommendations.