NAFDAC Reaffirms Commitment to Strict Food Export Regulations

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to enforcing regulations governing the export of processed and semi-processed foods, ensuring that no compromises will be made.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, underscored the agency’s determination to maintain stringent oversight across the entire food export sector. These regulations, rooted in NAFDAC’s enabling laws, are designed to ensure compliance in all areas, including manufacturing, importation, distribution and sale of regulated products.

Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the necessity of these regulations, particularly in light of recent rejections of Nigerian food exports by international markets. Concerns raised by cocoa stakeholders regarding the NAFDAC Export Regulation 2024, which is currently open for public comment, further underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

In a statement released by NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Prof. Adeyeye addressed these concerns during a consultative meeting with the Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN) and other key stakeholders in the food export industry. She reassured the participants that the draft regulations are not final and emphasized the agency's commitment to an inclusive, interactive regulatory process.

The consultative session, held in Lagos, included representatives from the Network of Practicing Non-oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). The meeting aimed to foster a unified approach to trade facilitation, allowing NAFDAC and industry stakeholders to collaborate effectively for the mutual benefit of Nigeria.

Prof. Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC’s actions are well within its regulatory mandate, noting that export regulations are part of a broader set of regulations currently being gazetted. She further emphasized the importance of registering food products with NAFDAC to avoid legal complications and improve compliance with international standards.

Expressing concern over the rejection of Nigerian products by some importing countries, Prof. Adeyeye lamented the lack of regulatory oversight that has plagued the industry for years. She stressed that NAFDAC’s role is critical in ensuring the quality and safety of products intended for export, which is essential for maintaining Nigeria's competitiveness in global markets.

NAFDAC is committed to pursuing regulatory interventions both locally and internationally to prevent a total ban on Nigerian food exports. During a similar stakeholder engagement in May 2024, industry leaders and regulators, including other government agencies, pledged to collaborate in advancing Nigeria’s export potential.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC’s role is not to generate revenue but to facilitate smooth trade between Nigerian exporters and international markets by adhering to global standards. She assured participants that products already registered with NAFDAC would face fewer regulatory hurdles, thus enhancing their acceptance in foreign markets.

NAFDAC will begin targeted support, starting with cocoa producers, ensuring that even those not currently registered with the agency are brought into compliance. This approach aligns with the broader goal of improving Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings through increased non-oil exports.

Stakeholders, including Olusola Obajimu, Director-General of NACCIMA and Yusuf Isiaka, Managing Director of Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, expressed their satisfaction with NAFDAC’s regulatory approach, noting that it aligns with efforts to achieve global standards in food exports. They pledged continued support to help Nigeria enhance its non-oil export profile.

Source: The Nation
 

Published: August 21, 2024

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