The Federal Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Agricultural Produce Residue Standards as part of efforts to strengthen food safety systems enhance the quality of agricultural exports and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.
The inauguration took place on Monday in Abuja, where the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting safe and sustainable agricultural production practices.
According to the minister, the establishment of the Technical Working Group represents a strategic step toward ensuring that Nigerian agricultural products meet globally accepted standards on pesticide residues and food safety requirements.
He noted that compliance with residue standards is essential for protecting public health, increasing consumer confidence and expanding access to international markets for Nigerian agricultural commodities.
Senator Abdullahi emphasized that the initiative would help address challenges associated with rejected exports and strengthen the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and high-quality agricultural products.
The Technical Working Group is expected to provide expert guidance on the development, harmonisation and implementation of residue standards in line with international best practices.
Stakeholders at the inauguration stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, regulatory bodies and private sector actors in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative.
They noted that strengthening food safety systems would not only boost export earnings but also support sustainable agricultural development and improve the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing policies and programmes that enhance food security, promote value addition and position Nigeria’s agricultural products favourably in the global marketplace.
