NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a rallying call to various trade groups involved in Nigeria’s export business, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to halt the alarming rate of food export rejections by European and American markets.
NAFDAC has stressed that a unified approach is essential, one that involves aligning with electronic channels to secure export certification and adhering to regulatory standards.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, addressed stakeholders during a pivotal meeting with the theme, ‘The role of Freight Consolidator in the Export of NAFDAC Regulated Products.’
The focus of the gathering was to underscore the significance of compliance with NAFDAC’s guidelines and securing certification through the appropriate regulatory channels, both critical steps to mitigate losses incurred by Nigeria and its exporters.
In her stead, Mrs. Oluwaseyi Sanwo-Olu, Head of the Export Division at the Ports Inspection Directorate of NAFDAC, conveyed Professor Adeyeye’s message.
She underscored that NAFDAC has intensified its efforts to ensure that all products regulated by the agency, destined for export, meet the stringent standards required by both national and international markets, with special attention to the specifications of the destination countries.
Professor Adeyeye, in a statement released by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, urged all stakeholders involved in exporting food products under the agency’s purview to complement NAFDAC’s regulatory policies.
These policies are designed not only to protect consumers but also to promote public health by ensuring that regulated products adhere to high standards of quality, safety, efficacy, wholesomeness, and acceptability in the global market.
The Director-General encouraged stakeholders to use top-notch finished and raw materials for food production intended for export. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that personnel involved in the production processes are in good medical condition to prevent contamination.
“We expect that freight consolidators will be informed about the nature of the products they are handling and how to maintain the products’ integrity,” Professor Adeyeye stated.
She also urged them to guide their clients (exporters) to factor in the processing of export certification within their timelines for a smoother exportation process.
Compliance with documentation requirements for NAFDAC-regulated products before shipment and a deep understanding of the quality, safety, and standards of the regulated products were also highlighted as vital.
Furthermore, the Director-General stressed the importance of proper handling, the use of approved packaging materials, group packaging of similar products, and understanding the consequences of forwarding and exporting products without adhering to NAFDAC’s established processes and procedures.
With a unified approach, stakeholders can ensure that Nigeria’s products consistently meet global standards, enhancing the nation’s reputation as a reliable and quality-conscious exporter on the world stage.
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