The federal government has inaugurated a technical working group (TWG) on agricultural produce residue standards to strengthen food safety, improve export quality and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safe and sustainable agricultural production.

He said the group brings together stakeholders from government, regulatory agencies, academia, research institutions, the private sector and development partners to address residue-related challenges in agricultural produce.

“It has become increasingly important that Nigerian agricultural products not only meet production targets but also comply with internationally accepted food safety and quality standards under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi noted that Nigeria had suffered repeated export rejections due to non-compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) and other sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

According to him, the trend has resulted in economic losses, reduced market confidence and missed opportunities for farmers and exporters.

He stressed that concerns over pesticide residues and contaminants require a coordinated, science-based response.

The minister said the TWG was expected to develop practical solutions to strengthen national food control systems, improve pesticide use practices and expand access to premium markets.

He added that the group’s work would also enhance public health, boost export earnings and reduce post-harvest losses linked to trade restrictions.

Earlier, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the initiative reflected the government’s drive to strengthen agricultural quality assurance systems.

Represented by Bukar Usman, he said agriculture remained central to food security, employment and economic growth, but warned that export rejections threaten farmers’ livelihoods.

He said the TWG comprises experts from relevant ministries, agencies, research institutions and the private sector to develop sustainable solutions.

Also speaking, Prof. Lateef Sanni, chairman of the TWG and executive director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), said the group would strengthen Nigeria’s food safety and quality assurance systems.

He said it would review residue standards, align national guidelines with global benchmarks, strengthen laboratory capacity and improve monitoring and enforcement.

Mr Sanni said that the group would discharge its assignment with professionalism and evidence-based recommendations.

(NAN)