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FG Inaugurates Technical Group to Tackle Agro-Export Rejections

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards to tackle the recurring rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports in international markets due to non-compliance with global food safety and pesticide residue requirements.

By Queen Phillips21 June 2026One minute read

FG Moves to End Costly International Rejection of Nigerian Farm Exports

The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated a Technical Working Group, TWG, on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards to address the recurring rejection of Nigeria's agricultural exports in international markets. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, said the move was necessary to reposition Nigeria's agro-exports and strengthen compliance with global food safety requirements.

Over the years, Nigeria has recorded several cases of export rejections of agricultural commodities due to non-compliance with Maximum Residue Limits and other sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
— Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security

Abdullahi warned that the trend had caused economic losses, weakened market confidence and denied farmers access to premium markets. He noted that the TWG would adopt a coordinated, science-based approach involving stakeholders across government, research institutions, the private sector and development partners to tackle pesticide residue and contamination issues. Members were selected based on expertise and would be expected to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to improve food safety, boost exports and protect public health.

Permanent Secretary: Rejections Threaten Farmers' Livelihoods and Economic Ambitions

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Mr Bukar Musa, described export rejections as a direct threat to farmers' livelihoods and Nigeria's broader economic ambitions, reinforcing the urgency behind the group's mandate.

Chairman of the TWG, Prof. Lateef Oladimeji San, said the group would focus on harmonising standards, reviewing existing frameworks and strengthening laboratory capacity to ensure Nigerian produce consistently meets global requirements.

A Technical Working Group to solve a problem that has existed for years. Bold strategy. Inaugurating the group that will form the committee that drafts the framework is very much on brand.