We will Enhance Standard for Agro based Export, says a Lab founder

 The founder of agro commodities standard certification for export in Kano, Mr. Khaled Moussallati, has promised that his newly launched FAMOUSA agro laboratory will ensure a significant reduction in agricultural produce rejection abroad, as he has asked for collaboration with major government agencies in charge of standards.

Mr. Khaled Moussallati made this remark at the official launch of FAMOUSA agro laboratory in Kano last week Tuesday, as he pointed out that the purpose of the establishment was to bridge the gap in Nigeria's quality control system in agro commodities export, where the exporters have experienced much losses.

FAMOUSA, a certified agro-commodities laboratory with modern equipment located at No. 10, Dantata Road, Bompai, Kano, according to the founder, is ready to partner with other agencies in charge of standards in the country.

Moussallati expressed that his personal experience of rejection has motivated his passion to establish an outfit that would mitigate agricultural produce rejection from Nigeria.

He also attributed the agro laboratory as part of his contribution to close the gap of limited numbers of agricultural produce standard certification, with great sympathy for exporters and farmers.

According to him, "The rejection of my produce made me create this testing laboratory. My major concern is for the exporters because they need to meet the standards of the countries they are exporting to. Exporters and farmers must both be considered in this process."

He warned against excessive use of chemicals on agricultural produce, saying most advanced countries don't tolerate them, especially in Europe and America.

The founder stressed that achieving compliance with international standards requires the active collaboration of key government agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“We all need to work together with farmers from the grassroots to tackle serious problems like excessive pesticide use, poor storage that causes aflatoxin, and improper processing methods that always lead to bacterial and fungal contamination,” he said.

“Excessive use of pesticides is the number one cause of rejection in Europe, Japan, Mexico, Korea, and the United States. The standards abroad are becoming tighter every day. If we don’t address these problems now, Nigeria may soon lose its place in the global market," Moussallati warned.

Citing Egypt as an example, he noted that other countries have made significant progress in regulating pesticide use and improving post-harvest handling, and stressed that Nigeria must act urgently and collaboratively.

Mr. Moussallati disclosed that establishing the laboratory took over 15 years of effort despite financial constraints adding that the facility would be replicated across the country for easy access to beneficiaries.

“From this point, we can replicate all that we have achieved here. But this requires more funding and trained personnel. Equipment alone means nothing without skilled experts. Hopefully, within two years, we will probably launch the next laboratory in the South' he added.

He advocated for capacity building using teamwork among the stakeholders in the private and public sectors.

One hand cannot clap alone,” he said. “We must reach out to farmers, analyze their harvests, and ensure their produce is fit for export. We need to go to the grassroots, educate and train them on safe pesticide usage, proper storage, and drying techniques. It’s all about teamwork."

The regulatory bodies that were present praised the courage of the founder, saying it was a major step toward enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural export and standard.

Mr. Aliyu Musa, representing the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), described Famousa laboratory as a bridge between science and commerce, saying that " We are proud to see a registered laboratory like Famousa Agro championing excellence, compliance, and innovation.”

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Lawal Bakin Kasuwa, Deputy Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), commended Famousa’s initiative and pledged institutional support for similar projects across the country.

“We are committed to strengthening laboratory infrastructure nationwide. Facilities like Famousa deserve support and collaboration, especially as they serve exporters and promote quality testing before export," Kasuwa said.

He further stressed that the NEPC will connect exporters in the North-West region to Famousa Laboratory for quality testing before shipment, just as he noted that most of Nigeria’s grain exports originate from Kano.

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