The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a $1.2 million program aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s export standards for sesame and cowpea products. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO Director-General, announced this initiative during the inauguration of seven trade support programs in Abuja.
Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the program’s focus on addressing cases of rejection of Nigeria’s products in international markets. In collaboration with the Standards Trade Development Facility (STDF), International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the project aims to improve safety and quality certification for sesame and cowpeas.
Nigeria’s agricultural potential has been hindered by trade-related challenges, leading to a decline in export competitiveness.
Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the importance of rectifying these issues to unlock the country’s agricultural export potential.
The project will focus on capacity building across the sesame and cowpeas value chains to meet international market access requirements. It will also enhance agricultural practices and food safety standards, including training local food safety advisers.
Dr. Nonye Ayeni, the NEPC Executive Director, reiterated the challenges faced by Nigerian food exports and highlighted the importance of the STDF project in enhancing product quality and standards.
The project, backed by NEPC counterpart funding, aims to improve sanitary and phytosanitary conducts, agricultural practices, packaging, and labeling. It is designed to last for three years and will enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s cowpea and sesame value chains.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, commended the WTO and ITC for launching the STDF program, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s efforts to leverage trade for economic expansion.
Uzoka-Anite expressed confidence that these programs would support the government’s initiatives to ensure the safety, integrity, and marketability of Nigeria’s goods and services.
