FG Tackles Export Rejections: New Technical Working Group to Harmonise Agricultural Residue Standards
The Federal Government has launched a pivotal Technical Working Group (TWG) on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards, a strategic initiative aimed at eradicating the persistent issue of export rejections for Nigerian agricultural commodities. These rejections, primarily stemming from non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, have inflicted significant economic damage and eroded market confidence.
In a report by the Daily Champion published on June 17, 2026, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, underscored the inauguration of the TWG as a “significant milestone” in the administration’s commitment to food safety and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in regional and international agricultural markets. This move directly supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which mandates that Nigerian agricultural products not only meet production targets but also adhere to globally recognised food safety and quality benchmarks.
Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the recurring nature of these export rejections, noting their detrimental impact on farmers, exporters, and agribusinesses through economic losses and missed opportunities. He emphasised that the growing global concerns surrounding pesticide residues, contaminants, and food safety necessitate a “coordinated, science-based, and multi-sectoral response,” thereby justifying the establishment of this dedicated Technical Working Group.
The TWG is envisioned as a crucial platform for collaboration, bringing together experts from government institutions, regulatory bodies, academia, research organisations, the private sector, commodity associations, and development partners. Their collective mandate will be to devise practical, implementable, and sustainable solutions to strengthen national food control systems. The group is tasked with improving farmer adherence to safe pesticide usage, thereby facilitating access to premium markets for Nigerian agricultural produce. Recommendations are expected to be evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices while remaining cognisant of local realities. The work of the TWG is anticipated to safeguard public health, elevate the quality and safety of Nigerian agricultural exports, boost foreign exchange earnings, and mitigate post-harvest losses caused by market restrictions.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Director of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr. Bukar Musa, reiterated the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to food security, employment, foreign exchange, and rural development. He cautioned that the escalating rejections of Nigerian agricultural exports due to non-compliance with international residue standards pose a “serious challenge to our export aspirations and threatens the livelihoods of our farmers and agribusiness operators.” The Permanent Secretary described the TWG’s inauguration as the commencement of a vital journey towards establishing a robust framework for agricultural produce residue management in Nigeria.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman of the TWG, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji San, acknowledged the inauguration as a “significant step” towards fortifying Nigeria’s agricultural quality assurance system. He outlined the TWG’s mandate to include a comprehensive review of existing standards, harmonisation of national guidelines with international benchmarks, and the enhancement of laboratory capacity for effective monitoring and enforcement. This initiative is expected to be instrumental for legal and compliance professionals advising clients in the agribusiness sector, providing a clearer pathway to navigating international trade regulations and mitigating risks associated with export compliance.
