The Federal Government has launched a coordinated effort to improve Nigeria’s agricultural biosecurity system in a bid to reduce the growing rejection of the country’s farm exports in international markets and expand earnings from non oil exports.
To achieve this objective, an interministerial committee has been inaugurated to review the nation’s agricultural quarantine framework and recommend reforms that will bring it in line with global sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja at the conference room of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The event attracted representatives from government ministries, regulatory agencies, research institutions, farmers’ groups and other stakeholders with responsibilities across the agricultural value chain.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, who represented the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said Nigeria must address the persistent rejection of its agricultural products in foreign markets by strengthening compliance with international standards.
She explained that the establishment of the committee reflects the Federal Government’s determination to improve collaboration among relevant institutions, remove regulatory obstacles and create a more effective agricultural quarantine system capable of supporting international trade.
According to her, improving the country’s biosecurity framework will not only protect agricultural resources but also increase access to regional and global markets, boost farmers’ incomes and support sustainable economic growth.
She urged members of the committee to approach their assignment with commitment and professionalism, expressing confidence that their recommendations would strengthen food security and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in agricultural exports.
The Director of Economic Growth at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Auwal Mohammed, described the inauguration as an important step towards stronger cooperation among public institutions working to promote agriculture, economic diversification and national food security.
Also speaking, the Comptroller General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr Vincent Isegbe, said the agency remains responsible for preventing the entry and spread of harmful plant, animal and aquatic pests and diseases.
He noted that the service carries out inspections, pest risk assessments, surveillance and certification to ensure that agricultural products entering or leaving Nigeria satisfy internationally accepted requirements.
According to him, a stronger quarantine system will reduce export rejections, improve Nigeria’s reputation in global agricultural trade, increase foreign exchange earnings and create more opportunities for farmers, exporters and agribusiness operators.
He added that unlocking the country’s agricultural potential would require closer cooperation among institutions responsible for agriculture, trade, finance, customs, transportation, standards, laboratory accreditation, research and border management.
The committee has been assigned the responsibility of reviewing proposals aimed at improving the operational capacity of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service. It will also assess infrastructure and laboratory needs, recommend sustainable funding options and develop practical measures to strengthen compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards while promoting Nigeria’s agricultural exports.
