Nigeria's food and drug agency takes steps to reverse global embargo on local bean exports

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has wrapped up a three-day training program for its staff, focusing on pesticide residue risk assessment to bolster food safety regulation and enhance the quality of Nigerian agricultural produce.

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This capacity-building initiative was conducted in partnership with Mississippi State University in the United States, centering on a research project sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, which explored the risk assessment of pesticide residues in agricultural produce using beans and sesame seeds in Nigeria as a case study.

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The training aims to augment Nigeria's export competitiveness and support the removal of restrictions on Nigerian beans in international markets, which were imposed due to concerns over pesticide residues.

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Nigeria is working to fortify its food safety system, improve compliance with international standards, and boost the export potential of locally produced agricultural commodities, particularly beans, which have faced restrictions in some international markets due to pesticide residue concerns.

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A statement issued by NAFDAC on Thursday revealed that the program equipped participants with skills in pesticide residue surveillance, laboratory analysis, food safety risk assessment, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, and evidence-based regulatory decision-making.

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The agency stated that the program is part of its broader commitment to ensuring that food products consumed locally and exported from Nigeria meet global safety standards, thereby protecting consumers from the health risks associated with excessive pesticide residues.

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At the opening ceremony, Dr Gbenga Fajemirokun, Special Assistant to the Director-General of NAFDAC, noted that the research provided valuable insights into how pesticide residues enter the food supply chain, speaking on behalf of the Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

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Fajemirokun added that the project builds on previous studies conducted by the agency and is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight while supporting Nigeria's agricultural exports.

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The research identified Critical Control Points where pesticide residues enter the food value chain, enabling regulators to better detect and prevent contamination, according to Fajemirokun.

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The initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory measures, improve the safety of agricultural produce, and enhance Nigeria's export competitiveness, particularly in supporting efforts to lift restrictions on Nigerian beans in international markets.

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NAFDAC emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among regulators, researchers, development partners, and agricultural stakeholders to promote the safe use of pesticides and protect public health.

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Representatives of Mississippi State University and the USDA commended the partnership and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the research to strengthen food safety regulation in Nigeria, as expressed in separate goodwill messages.

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Goodwill messages from the representatives of Mississippi State University and the USDA encouraged participants to translate the research findings into practical regulatory actions that will improve pesticide management, strengthen food safety surveillance, and safeguard consumers across Nigeria.