According to Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), a significant 70% of Food Exports from Nigeria face rejection abroad.
She attributed this Issue to the poor State of Export Trade Facilitation for regulated Products leaving the Country.
During the Inauguration of a new NAFDAC office complex at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport/NAHCO in Lagos, Adeyeye expressed concern over the Financial losses Incurred by Exporters and the Country due to these Rejections.
However, she emphasized that with strengthened collaboration between NAFDAC and other Government Agencies at the Ports, the Incidence of Food Export Rejections in European Countries and the United States would soon be resolved.
Adeyeye highlighted the Importance of NAFDAC’s presence at the Ports and land borders to safeguard public health by ensuring the Safety, efficacy, and quality of Food, Medicines, Cosmetics, Medical devices, Chemicals, and packaged Water.
She emphasized the need for enhanced Export regulation, Including packaging, pre-shipment testing, and Certification, to Provide Quality assurance and Minimize Rejections.
To uphold Nigeria’s reputation in International Commerce, Adeyeye called for all Stakeholders in the Export Trade to collaborate with NAFDAC and fulfill their duty for the Country’s collective Future.
She expressed gratitude to the President and various arms of the Government for enabling NAFDAC’s presence at the Ports since May 2018, resulting in Positive Outcomes.
Adeyeye commended the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services for their collaboration, which has been Instrumental in NAFDAC’s Operations.
She also acknowledged the
Support the Police in Conducting Investigations and enforcement activities.
Furthermore, Adeyeye mentioned that NAFDAC has Implemented the Ports Inspection Data-Capture and Risk Management System (PIDCARMS) across all ports and land borders.
This system automatically Captures and processes Data for
Imported regulated Products from the Nigeria Customs Information System (NICIS), streamlining and optimizing NAFDAC’s processes.
