The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently unveiled a significant development in Nigeria—a $1.2 million initiative aimed at enhancing standards in trade. This initiative primarily focuses on bolstering food safety measures, among other crucial aspects.
The standards trade development facility, a global endeavor, aims to fortify food safety standards, along with enhancing capacities in animal and plant health, particularly in developing nations. This initiative emphasizes the adoption of best practices to ensure the safety and quality of products.
During the event held on Tuesday, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, addressed the audience. She highlighted Nigeria’s immense potential in the production and export of cowpea and sesame. However, she also underscored a significant challenge—the rejection of these products due to issues such as inadequate transportation and storage facilities.
Nigeria stands as the third-largest producer of sesame in Africa, with a production volume of approximately 500 metric tonnes recorded in 2022. Additionally, the country annually produces over 5.2 million metric tonnes of dried cowpea.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala expressed optimism regarding the facility’s impact. She emphasized its role in enhancing the capabilities of Nigerian farmers, enabling them to meet stringent export standards. This move is poised to elevate Nigeria’s agricultural sector and position it more competitively in global markets.
