Agric experts in both private and public sectors have arrived on a consensus that would enhance better foreign earnings through export of more agricultural produce in Nigeria.
This was contained in a communique issued at one day export stakeholders implementation forum held this Monday at Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was agreed in the statement that agricultural produce should be properly harnessed to achieve diversification of our economy to wealth and jobs creation through more foreign exchange earnings.
The communique noted that the meeting was called at the instance of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar to address challenges confronting the export of agricultural produce with the view of identifying practical solutions.
The observations and recommendations made by stakeholders were in the full text below.
COMMUNIQUE
ISSUED AT A ONE DAY NATIONAL EXPORT STAKEHOLDERS IMPLEMENTATION
FORUM HELD ON MONDAY , MAY 15, 2023 AT LAGOS CONTINENTAL HOTEL,
VICTORIA ISLAND , LAGOS STATE
The Nigerian agricultural sector has always played a significant role in the
country’s economy, contributing to employment, food security, and foreign
exchange earnings. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on agroexport as a means to diversify the economy and take advantage of the global
demand for Nigerian agricultural products.
However, despite the vast potential, the Nigerian agro-export market faces
numerous challenges that hinder its growth and competitiveness in the
international arena.
Recognizing the need to address these challenges and foster sustainable growth
in the agro-export sector, the Honorable Minister Federal Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development invited key stakeholders from various sectors, including
farmers, exporters, financial institutions, and industry experts to the Nigeria Export
Stakeholders’ Implementation Forum.
The forum serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, with
the primary objective of identifying and implementing practical solutions to the
issues impeding the development of the Nigerian agro-export market. The forum
also aims to bring together diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences to
foster a conducive environment for sustainable agro-export growth.
This Forum was declared open by Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, The
Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,
(FMARD) ably represented by Mrs. Omolara Abimbola Oguntuyi. Regional
Observations
The following observations were made during interaction
(i)
Nigerian foreign exchange earnings is currently under threat as
global attention shifts away from fossil fuel to a more sustainable and
environmentally friendly source of energy which is part of global
effort to mitigate the impact of climate change.
(ii)
Agro-export opportunities created under various trade deals are
underutilized and challenged by the high cost of freight, poor policy
implementation, multiple charges and levies, poor marketing and,
traceability of agro-exports, unharmonized standards, multiple
agencies interference in agricultural commodities export,
inadequate youth participation across the value chain and trade
facilitation infrastructure deficits.
(iii)
The ease of doing business has improved in Nigeria but much more
still needs to be done to facilitate agricultural export trade in order to
increase export and enhance sector contribution to national
development.
(iv)
Nigeria’s export value ($) to landmass (sqKM) ratio of 1,299 shows
that the country is not doing enough to leverage on its arable
landmass to improve agricultural production and export.
Recommendations
(i)
Government to encourage and increase youth participation in
agriculture as a strategic effort towards driving innovation and
technology adoption as new efforts to boost production and export.
Calls for inclusive consultation of all value chain actors including
cold-room operators, packaging and other logistic operators in
policy formulation and decision-making process as part of broader
efforts towards policy implementation for increased agricultural
production and export.
(iii)
Ports and border agencies of Government as well as other regulatory
agencies to support NAQS as far as agro-export is concerned.
(iv)
Institutionalize measures that enhance traceability of agricultural
products through the National Technical Working Group whose
office is located at 79 Adeomola Adetokumbo Crescent, Wuse II and
whose membership is on a 80-20 basis for private and government
respectively as attached.
(v)
Stakeholders call on Government to activate the Technical Working
Group which can provide the needed leverage for the private sector
to stimulate strategies that can increase agriculture export and its
contribution to foreign earning
Conclusion
The stakeholders ratified the following 10 Subgroups:
(i)
AFAN
(ii)
Crop subsector
(iii)
Livestock subsector
(iv)
Fisheries subsector
(v)
Extension Services
(vi)
Nigeria AgriBusiness Group
(vii)
FACAN
(viii)
Fruits and vegetables
(ix)
Logistic and Supply
Nigeria Export Group
The following are the list of suggested agribusiness groups that would be worked
on by the National Technical Working Group:
1. AGRIC Research Institutes
2. Laboratory Services
3. AFAN
4. FACAN
5. Nigeria Agribusiness Group – NABG
6. Roots and Tubers
a. Potato
i. Sweet P,
ii. Irish P.,
iii. Orange Fleshed P. etc.
b. Yam
c. Cocoyam
d. Cassava etc.
7. Cereals
a. Maize
b. Millet
c. Fonio (Acha) etc.
8. Large Animals
a. Cattle etc.
9. Poultry Association of Nigeria
10. Swine Group
11. Laboratory Animals and Rodents
a. Guinea-Pigs
b. Rabbits
c. Grasscutter etc.
Agro-pesticides and Chemicals
13. Farm Mechanization
14. Cold-Chain/Warehouse
15. Logistics and Supply chain
16. Nigerian Export Group
17. Spices and Culinary Herbs
a. Turmeric
b. Uziza
c. Ginger
d. Chilli
e. Cloves
f. Nsukka Pepper
g. Garlic
h. Cinnamon
i. Stevia etc.
18. Animal Products and by-products
a. Meat
b. Milk
c. Kilishi
d. Kindirmo
e. Ponmo etc.
19. Farm extension services/training
20. Inspectors, Auditors and Certifiers of the process, product and facility.
21. Commodities/Trade Exchanges.
22. Government Regulators in Agricultural Business.
23. Aquaculture (Fisheries).
24. Ornamental Fisheries.
25. Forestry/Wildlife
a. Shea-butter
b. Gum Arabic etc.
26. Honey
27. Processed animal proteins
28. Vegetables and Fruits
a. Spinach
b. Ugu
c. Mushrooms
d. Onions
e. Tomato
f. Oranges
g. Mangoes
h. Pineapples etc.
29. Oil Seeds and Nuts
a. Coconut
b. Palm Tree
c. Sunflower
d. Sesame
e. Soyabean
f. Groundnut
g. Cashew nut
h. Melon
i. Rapeseed
j. Cotton Seed etc.
30. Financial Services (Banks, Insurance Companies, EXIM Banks)
31. Cut Flowers/Ornamental plants
32. Hibiscus
33. Medicinal/Herbal Plants
34. Small animals and pets
a. Snails
b. Sheep and Goats etc.
35. Fisheries and Fisheries Products
a. Shrimps and Prawns
b. Crabs
c. Crayfish
d. Dry Fish
e. Stock Fish
f. Periwinkles
g. Water-snail etc.
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