By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is joining forces with key stakeholders to ensure Nigerian food exports meet international standards.
This collaboration aims to put an end to the rejection of processed and semi-processed cocoa products, along with other food exports, in global markets.
During a recent meeting in Lagos, NAFDAC and the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN), along with other trade associations, agreed to work together on the draft NAFDAC export regulations for 2024.
The session provided a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns and align their efforts with NAFDAC’s regulatory framework.
NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, addressed the concerns raised by the cocoa industry regarding the draft regulations.
She reassured stakeholders that NAFDAC’s goal is to facilitate smooth trade by ensuring that Nigerian exports are not rejected at international borders.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that regulations are designed to maintain the quality and safety of exported products, not to generate revenue for the agency.
NAFDAC, now recognized as a WHO ML3 Regulatory Agency, has updated 21 new regulations under Prof. Adeyeye’s leadership.
The Export regulations are part of these updates, aiming to improve Nigeria’s standing in international commerce.
Stakeholders expressed concerns over the red listing of Nigerian products by some importing countries. Prof. Adeyeye explained that this is due to years of inadequate oversight and poor regulatory practices.
She stressed that NAFDAC is committed to addressing these issues through rigorous regulation and collaboration with industry players.
Prof. Adeyeye also highlighted the importance of stakeholder confidence in their products.
She assured that NAFDAC would provide support to registered companies, reducing the need for extensive inspections.
The agency’s focus is on ensuring that Nigerian products meet international standards to avoid rejection in foreign markets.
The Director General of NACCIMA, Dr. Olusola Obajimu, praised NAFDAC’s approach, noting that the regulations are not a revenue drive but a step towards achieving global standards.
He pledged the support of stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s non-oil export trade.
COPAN’s representative, Mr. Yusuf Isiaka, expressed satisfaction with NAFDAC’s collaborative approach.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining business relationships and preventing losses due to rejected exports.
This united effort between NAFDAC, and export stakeholders marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of Nigerian food exports, ensuring they are accepted in international markets.
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