Nigeria's Efforts to Overcome EU Ban on Agro Commodities

Nigeria's agricultural sector faces a significant challenge in its efforts to lift the European Union (EU) ban on selected agro commodities for export. Recent revelations indicate that these food items still contain excessive levels of pesticides, which surpass the global acceptable maximum residue limit. The presence of such pesticides not only threatens Nigeria's eligibility to partake in international agribusiness but also endangers the health of unsuspecting consumers.

According to documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the levels of dichlorvous in Nigerian food items range from 0.03mg/kg to 4.5mg/kg, whereas the global standard limit is set at 0.01mg/kg. This discrepancy necessitates immediate action from FMARD and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to implement stringent control measures.

The ban imposed by the EU on Nigeria's food exports, including dry fish, meat, beans, and peanuts, was a direct response to the alarming levels of pesticides detected. Initially enforced from June 2015 to June 2016, the ban has been continuously extended, with the latest extension stretching until June 2019. Failure to adhere to EU-prescribed food standards has led to the prolonged ban, hindering Nigeria's revenue generation prospects and tarnishing its reputation in the international market.

The FMARD document highlights the need to address multiple factors contributing to the excessive pesticide levels, including the effect of mycotoxins and the possibility of genetically modified (GM) crops with insect resistance. Collaborating with regulatory agencies, the ministry aims to ensure Nigerian food exports conform to global safety standards.

Mycotoxins, harmful chemical substances occurring naturally, pose severe health risks to both animals and humans. Fungi, such as Aspergillus spp, Penicillum spp, and Fusarium spp, produce mycotoxins, which are often unknowingly present in food crops and their products. Consuming mycotoxin-contaminated food can result in food poisoning and various long-term health disorders, including cancer and organ failure.

To combat mycotoxin contamination, it is crucial to prioritize good food hygiene and proper storage of crops such as maize, rice, wheat, and sorghum. Implementing comprehensive surveillance, educational advocacy, and monitoring systems to regulate pesticide usage in both agro exports and domestic consumption is crucial to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers.

In its efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticides, the FMARD highlights ongoing work on genetically modified cowpeas, which exhibit 80% resistance to crop-damaging insects. The successful development of these GM cowpeas through the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has involved extensive testing across multiple locations and stringent safety assessments.

Furthermore, efforts to address chronic toxicity resulting from the use of disinfectants and pesticides in the food processing sector necessitate careful evaluation. Chemical mixtures must undergo rigorous assessments to ensure they do not cause organ damage or affect cellular structures.

Nigeria's journey to overcome the EU ban on agro commodities involves tackling excessive pesticide use, mycotoxin contamination, and adopting genetically modified crops resilient to insects. By adhering to international food safety standards, Nigeria aims to regain its position as a reliable food exporter and protect the health of its citizens.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-05 News

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