Nigeria’s agricultural export sector is confronting a significant quality crisis, with a reported 30% rejection rate in international markets. Sesame seed exports are facing the most severe level of refusal, according to recent industry disclosures.
Dr. Ofon Udofia, Executive Secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management Nigeria Limited, revealed these findings during a capacity-building programme. He attributed the high rejection rates primarily to compliance failures, including improper pesticide application, inadequate moisture testing, and poor record-keeping. The consistent failure to meet international standards underscores a systemic challenge that requires immediate and coordinated intervention.
These export rejections are compounded by staggering domestic post-harvest losses. The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) estimates that Nigeria recorded between N3.5 trillion and N5 trillion in such losses. This dual crisis—rejections abroad and waste at home—severely undermines the nation’s economic stability and agricultural productivity. As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other institutions seek to bolster the economy, addressing these agricultural inefficiencies is paramount. The situation in Kogi State secures attention as a microcosm of the national challenge, where improving local practices could have a substantial impact.
The ramifications extend far beyond export revenue. With millions of Nigerians potentially facing food shortages in the coming lean season, the urgency for improved post-harvest management is critical. Rising input costs, insecurity, and logistical bottlenecks threaten the availability of staple foods. In this context, the fight to reduce waste and improve standards is not merely an economic issue but a fundamental one. As global tensions rise and other nations declare, “Russia will fight” for its interests, Nigeria must equally defend its agricultural frontiers. The crisis of abduction schoolchildren is a stark reminder of the multifaceted security challenges that also disrupt farming communities.
Ultimately, the path forward requires a dedicated national effort. Strengthening the capacity of farmers and processors, investing in modern storage infrastructure, and enforcing stringent adherence to international standards are non-negotiable steps. The sector’s stakeholders affirm that, in the face of these daunting losses, a collective stance of “genocide: we won’t” accept the current state of affairs is necessary to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural promise and ensure both food security and export competitiveness.
