Nigeria: Improving SPS compliance to boost export capacity
Overview
Summary
Nigerian exports of sesame seeds and cowpeas often get rejected because the value chain actors, such as farmers, processors and exporters, did not use pesticides properly, or because the harvest became tainted with salmonella. To help value chain actors sell more of their harvests internationally, the International Trade Centre is working with the Nigerian government to meet the standards set by key importing partners.
This project is funded by the WTO Standards and Trade Development Facility and plans to improve the regulatory and control system as well as farming and processing practices. External partners, such as the Minor Use Foundation and an agricultural university also work on this project.
Recipients
Partners
Standards and Trade Development Facility
Nigerian Export Promotion Council
Standards and Trade Development Facility
Sustainable Development Goals
New working group to improve food safety for sesame seeds and cowpeas
5 March 2025
The Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, inaugurated a new working group to promote food safety standards that will help Nigeria improve its exports of sesame seeds and cowpeas.
The Intra-governmental Working Group on Food Safety Compliance for Sesame Seeds and Cowpea Export comprises more than 10 governmental agencies. The group will coordinate a nationwide approach to ensure both products comply with international food safety rules to increase exports from Nigeria.
The Working Group was formed based on recommendations in a report by ITC and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. The report provides an overview of Nigeria’s food safety rules and examines problems with cowpea and sesame production.
As a technical advisor, ITC will closely support the Working Group to deliver its mandates.
