The agricultural sector in Nigeria makes a considerable contribution to the GDP of the nation, but it lacks export options because of its subpar output.
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Due to the pollution produced by the use of agro-chemicals, many of which were improperly applied, such exports as smoked fish, dried beans, hibiscus, palm oil, and hibiscus are frequently blacklisted in foreign markets.
This increases the danger of food poisoning, which the World Health Organization (WHO) reports causes 200,000 fatalities annually.
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Nonetheless, the federal government has taken action by establishing a task force known as the “Zero Reject Initiative” to support the export of higher-quality agricultural products.
This will give Nigerians the knowledge and abilities they need to examine, look into, and combat fake goods and poor-quality produce, as well as to inform the public about food safety.
Comrade Aloys Akortsaha, president of the Agricultural Produce Sellers Association of Nigeria (APSAN), is optimistic that with government cooperation, the amount of substandard products may be decreased by 80%. They have done their bit by holding training sessions.
Also, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recorded an increase in export value, primarily to Asian nations, from N78.03 billion in 2020 to N165.27 billion in the second quarter of 2021.
The biggest contributor to this growth is cocoa, which is currently valued at N63.18 billion. Cashew nuts are second, at N42.94 billion, followed by sesame seeds at N21.64 billion, coconut at N13.02 billion, etc.
According to experts, Nigeria will increase its GDP by almost $30 billion USD by 2025 if it can produce agricultural products of a higher quality, resulting in job possibilities and opportunities for exports.
Nigerians will no longer be shut out of the export market as a result, and they will have a fantastic chance to diversify their economy.
