EU, US, Others To Lift Ban On Agric. Commodities Soon – FG

THE Federal Government expresses hope over lifting ban on agricultural commodities by the European Union, EU, Unites States of America, and others.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, made the statement based on the current effort by the Standing Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee, SIMTC, on Agro Zero Reject Initiative, to ensure Nigerian agricultural commodities accepted at the international market.

Abubakar, after being briefed by the SIMTC said Nigeria’s potential on agricultural commodities export is huge, therefore the Integrated Export Control Plan for Nigeria, IECP, should be put together meticulously.

It would be recalled that in 2015, the EU banned importation of Nigerian beans on account of containing high level of pesticide, considered harmful to health despite warnings from the EU.

He said: “There is no doubt that Nigeria cannot realize its potential unless we do the right thing; work together first of all, and also realise and understand dealing with other agencies, private sector, government across the world.

“It not an easy task doing export business, there are a lot of regulations, and unless you start by putting your own home well you will not be able to work outside.

“if we want to make headway we must come down and learn to work with one another, and that really needs to be done to achieve success.

“It is not about trading but getting Nigeria out of being ban from Europe, America, and other countries.

“We should have seamless export transaction. We will do what it takes to do the right thing.”

Meanwhile, the Minister commended the inter-ministerial Committee for working hard to put the document together.

He also lauded development partners to ensure the document is put together whereby it would lift ban on Nigeria’s agricultural commodities export.