Abuja: The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated its commitment to guiding Nigerian exporters on regulatory standards required for agricultural and food products to enter the European Union market. Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, addressed this during a technical webinar for non-oil exporters in Abuja, themed ‘EU Regulations for Importation of Nigeria’s Agri-Food Products’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ayeni stated that the programme focused on EU rules governing food safety, traceability, and product standards, highlighting that the EU accounted for about 26 per cent of Nigeria’s total trade. The webinar was described as timely and strategic, designed to provide practical guidance on sanitary and phytosanitary standards, traceability systems, sustainable production, packaging, labeling, certification, and maximum residue limits.
Ayeni emphasized that the European market presents significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters due to strong demand for agricultural products. She noted that better compliance could significantly expand market share and foreign exchange earnings. Major exports from Nigeria include cocoa, oilseeds, fish, seafood, rubber, leather, and wood products. However, non-oil exports currently account for about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s exports to the EU.
She stated that global trade prioritizes sustainability, traceability, and consumer safety, adding that value addition for commodities like sesame, ginger, hibiscus, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods could enhance competitiveness. The council continues to train exporters on standards, packaging, labeling, and certification to reduce the rejection of Nigerian products in international markets and to ensure seamless access to EU markets. Exporters adhering to the standards will not only access EU markets seamlessly but will also strengthen their capacity to compete globally.
Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, mentioned that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, adding that compliance is key to market access in the EU. Rimi, represented by Mr Felix Nwachinemere, Assistant Director, Commodity and Export Department, indicated that sesame seeds, cashew, and ginger have strong demand globally, including in the EU, reinforcing Nigeria’s export potential.
Mrs Faith Ekwekwo, representing the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels, commended NEPC and partners for the successful programme, noting that initiatives like Agri-Info equipped exporters with timely information to improve compliance and strengthen international trade performance.