Stakeholders in the agro export business in Nigeria say, government and its agencies are not helping and encouraging export due to many impediments like high taxes, fees, absence of knowledge in certification, market needs.
They noted that, the Nigerian market was bleeding financially because of the failure of government to catch in on how export can contribute immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Products, GDP.
Mr. John Okakpu, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Nigerian Agro Set-up Committee in his paper, ‘Matching Exports with Markets’ said, a proper adherence to export market requirements had the innate capacity to rake in $250 billion per annum on only agro export commodities.
He said, one of the primary failures of the export process in Nigeria, was exporters inability to match their exports to markets, especially in the areas of documentation and certifications requirements.
Another major obstacle preventing seamless export process he said, was the Good Agricultural Practices,GAP Certifications and the multiplication of agencies, MDA’s at the exit points.
“Another critical part and one of the most important aspect part of our agro export woes is govt fees and taxes which is about 90% higher than our nearest competitor. So in most case it is cheaper for most freighter aircraft to depart from Nigeria empty than carry cargo”.
“Exporters in Nigeria continue to rely on our own bogus documentation and certifications standards which are mostly not recognized anywhere in the world. The first step in engaging in export is to identify, properly analyse and conform with the requirements of the proposed importing countries. Thus, the exporter has to provide the commodities needed, their satisfactions and documentations. Then a seamless export can be carried out”.
He adds that, “It should, however, be noted that some people are of the erroneous belief that proper packaging or a Trade and Bilateral Agreement between two countries guarantees free flow of agro-products”.
“Yes, such agreements open the doors to free trade between countries for mutual benefits. But there’s a caveat here that ensures that advanced countries will only accept agro products that are traceable with internationally recognized Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certifications/Traceability. A responsible country wouldn’t because of trade agreements or beautiful packaging allow poison or sub-standard products into its country to kill its citizens”.
Also speaking at the conference, representative from the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, William Ezeagu said, the commission was providing a one-stop shop function to reduce the challenges exporters face.
He said, the Commission was committed to ensuring that Nigerian exporters seamlessly take their goods out of the country without hitches.
A NAFDAC representative says, the agency was not happy that Nigerians cannot export their produce and when their export were rejected, this was a bad image for the country.
He therefore urged exporters to seek relevant documentation and certifications when exporting in commercial quantities to avoid produce rejections, adding that, many exporters would want to jump the steps instead of following the processes and procedures to ensure acceptability.
Managing Director, Nigeria Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO avoidance, Mrs.Tokunbo Fagbemi emphasized on packaging, that a produce like Vegetables should be packed in the right manner.
She explained that, it might not be in a fancy pack but adequately done for the vegetables to retain freshness and value, adding that, professionalism must be put in the business.
Corroborating the NAHCO MD on packaging, Mr. Seyi Adewale of Mainstream Cargo stated that, packaging was key and there was the need for an efficient product packaging company to handle this area of export.
Managing Director SAHCO, Mr. Basil Agbaruami called on the government to encourage more investments in the ground handling business as they need more room to expand their activities at the airport.
He appealed for more infrastructure at airports as well restoring sanity to the cargo area due to the influx of people who have no business in the area.
