FG Expresses Worry Over Rejection Of Nigeria's Food Items Abroad

The Federal Government has expressed worry over the rejection of Nigeria's food items and other goods exported out of the country.  

 The FG Lamented that this will affect the economy although it is working hard to arrest the situation.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, spoke in Lagos during the opening of a six-day training for members of the National Codex Committee on Food Safety Risk Analysis and the revised NCC procedural manual organised in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Ehanire, who is the chairman of the committee, said it was created “to ensure the protection of food, ensure to take good and safe food and also to ensure fair practice in international food trade."

Represented by the Director and National Coordinator for Food Safety and Quality Programme, Atanda John, he said, "We have been hearing of rejection of our foods; it’s because there’s no adherence to that standard, and this is not giving the country a good image.

"It’s affecting us economically tourism-wise and in every other aspect.”

He said all stakeholders must play their roles to reduce the rejection of Nigeria’s food items abroad.

The FAO Country Representative, Fred Kafeero, who was represented by the NCC Focal Person, Sadiya Haliru, explained that the training was approved by the FAO in Nigeria with support from the FAO Regional Office in Accra, Ghana, to build the capacities of NCC members for more active participation and contribution to Codex work and activities at the national, regional and global levels.

“It is expected that the outcome of this programme shall have a significant impact on Nigeria’s agricultural production system and value chain, reduce the risks on health to consumers, food producers, processors, importers/exporters and the economy.