News in brief:
– Nigerian exporters are using labels from neighbouring countries to access European markets due to rejection fears.
– Quality control issues and logistical hurdles prompt exporters to bypass Nigerian ports for better acceptance abroad.
Nigerian exporters, facing repeated rejections of their produce in European markets, have begun labeling their goods as originating from neighbouring countries like Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo. This strategy is a desperate measure to counter the negative perception and integrity issues that have plagued Nigerian agricultural exports.
Despite the federal government’s efforts, such as establishing the Export Processing Terminal (EPT) to facilitate smoother exportation from Nigerian seaports, exporters still prefer using ports in Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo. The core of the issue lies in the widespread rejection of Nigerian goods in Europe due to concerns over quality and labeling. According to sources, up to 76% of Nigerian products are turned away by the European Union (EU).
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), highlighted that many Nigerian exporters bypass crucial regulatory checks by her agency and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS). Without these inspections, goods are prone to being rejected abroad due to issues like pesticide residues and mold, which could have been detected and addressed domestically.
Exporters’ perspective
Exporters like Bassey Udom, who spoke with a media outlet, argue that numerous bureaucratic and logistical hurdles make it difficult to comply with these regulations. These include delays caused by highway tolls and bribes, which often result in goods arriving late and in poor condition. Consequently, many exporters opt for labeling their produce as coming from Ghana or Benin, where such exports face fewer obstacles and have better acceptance in international markets.
Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), emphasises the need for Nigeria to build trust with international buyers and regulatory bodies. He suggests improving packaging and adhering to international standards to alter the negative perception of Nigerian goods. Simplifying the logistics from farm to port is crucial to ensuring timely and quality deliveries, which would reduce the necessity for re-routing through other countries.
Recall that the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently concluded a workshop on improving the efficiency of ports. However, the outcome is still some years away from yielding any positive result in the exporting sector.
