The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to increasing the nation’s exports of cowpeas and sesame by addressing challenges related to sanitary and phytosanitary compliance.

It also promised that it would assist in expanding local farmers’ and exporters’ access to international markets.

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja, as she highlighted government’s efforts to align agricultural exports with international standards to reduce rejections and increase competitiveness.

She stated that Nigeria is the world’s fourth-largest producer of sesame, with Japan accounting for 40 percent of its exports.

However, she warned that increased border controls due to excessive pesticide residues and microbial contamination have led to numerous consignment rejections.

“Our data, as detailed in our recent report at the check-in, reveals tangible figures, volumes, values, and documented instances of seizures and penalties that underscore the severe impact on our export performance and Nigeria’s standing among global exporters,” she said.

Oduwole further disclosed that Japan’s tightening regulations on pesticide residue thresholds, which is set to take effect in March 2025, poses an urgent challenge.

She therefore assured stakeholders that the government is actively working to address the situation, revealing how happy she was to inform Nigerians that Federal Government is working assiduously to mitigate the action.

“Japan’s current stance on our Sesame exports, coupled with a threatened ban due to paraquat residue thresholds from 0.05 ppm to 0.01 ppm, calls for our immediate and coordinated response,” she stated.