By Vivian Emoni
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated it’s commitment to guide Nigerian exporters on regulatory standards required for exporting agricultural and food products to European Union (EU) market.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director, NEPC said this at a Technical Webinar for Exporters and Stakeholders in Non-Oil Export sector, on “EU Regulations for Importation of Nigeria’s Agri-Food Products,” on Thursday in Abuja.
Ayeni said that the programme focused on regulations governing the importation of Nigerian agri-food products into the EU market, adding that the EU remained one of the Nigeria’s most important trading partners.
She said that the programme was part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s non-oil export performance, noting that it would help exporters understand EU regulations governing food safety, traceability and product standards.
She said the EU remained a key trade partner for Nigeria and that it accounts for about 26 per cent of Nigeria’s total trade.
According to her, this webinar is therefore both timely and strategic. It’s designed to provide practical guidance to EU regulatory requirements, including sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
“It also include, maximum residual limits, traceability systems, sustainable production practices, packaging, labeling and certification procedures to boost Nigerian non-oil export to the EU.
“The European market offers significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters due to strong demand for agricultural products,” she said.
The executive director noted that available statistics indicated that Nigeria exported goods worth 21.87 billion dollars to the EU in 2024.
“In the same period, the EU exports to Nigeria were valued at 20.2 billion dollars.
“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 added.
Ayeni said Nigeria could significantly increase its market share with improved compliance, emphasising that access to international markets requires adherence to strict regulatory standards.
She added that global trade now prioritises sustainability, traceability and consumer safety, adding that Nigeria’s agricultural sector holds vast export potential due to its wide range of commodities.
According to her, these commodities include sesame, ginger, hibiscus, fruits, vegetables and processed foods, value addition can as well enhance product competitiveness and increase foreign exchange earnings.
She noted that the council had continued to train exporters on standards, packaging, labelling and certification and the initiative would help reduce rejection of Nigerian products in international markets.
“Exporters who adhere to these standard will not only access EU markets seamlessly, but will also strengthen their capacity to compete globally.”
Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the initiative was timely, noting that agriculture remained the backbone of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
Rimi noted that the EU, with over 450 million consumers, remained a major trading partner, adding that market access required strict compliance with regulations on food safety, quality standards and sustainability.
He added that the ministry, in collaboration with the council and other agencies, was strengthening quality infrastructure, promoting certification and supporting exporters to meet global standards and expand market access.
Rimi, represented by Mr Felix Nwachinemere, Assistant Director, Commodity and Export Department of the ministry said products such as sesame seeds, cashew and ginger have strong demand in global markets, including the EU.
Speaking, a Representative of Embassy of Nigeria in Brussels, Mrs Faith Ekwekwo, commended the NEPC and other partners for organising the programme and it’s huge success.
Ekwekwo said the agri-food sector remained critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification, noting that Nigeria possessed vast agricultural resources and strong potential to expand non-oil exports to global markets.
She added that initiatives such as Agri-Info would equip exporters with timely information on EU regulations, enabling them to improve compliance, strengthen export performance and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in international agri-food trade. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)