The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards as part of efforts to strengthen food safety systems, improve the quality of agricultural exports, and increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.
The inauguration took place on Monday in Abuja, where the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting safe and sustainable agricultural production practices.
According to the minister, the newly established committee comprises representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, academic and research organizations, private sector stakeholders, and development partners. The group is expected to address challenges associated with residue levels in agricultural products.
“It has become increasingly important 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,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has experienced multiple export rejections due to failure to comply with Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements imposed by international markets.
He explained that such setbacks have led to financial losses, weakened confidence in Nigerian agricultural products, and reduced opportunities for farmers and exporters seeking access to global markets.
The minister emphasized that growing concerns about pesticide residues and contaminants in agricultural produce require a coordinated and science-driven approach.
He stated that the Technical Working Group would be responsible for developing practical measures aimed at strengthening national food control systems, improving pesticide management practices, and expanding market access for Nigerian agricultural products.
According to him, the committee’s efforts are also expected to support public health outcomes, increase export revenues, and minimize post-harvest losses resulting from trade restrictions.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the initiative as a significant step toward improving agricultural quality assurance mechanisms across the country.
Represented by Mr. Bukar Usman, Ogunbiyi said agriculture remains a key driver of food security, job creation, and economic development, while stressing that export rejections continue to pose serious risks to farmers’ livelihoods.
He added that the membership of the Technical Working Group includes specialists drawn from relevant ministries, government agencies, research institutions, and private sector organizations who will work together to provide sustainable solutions.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Technical Working Group and Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof. Lateef Sanni, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s food safety and quality assurance framework.
He explained that the committee would focus on reviewing residue standards, harmonizing national regulations with international benchmarks, enhancing laboratory capabilities, and strengthening monitoring and enforcement systems.
Sanni assured that the group would discharge its assignment with professionalism and evidence-based recommendations.
