The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has launched an urgent campaign to eliminate the use of paraquat, a prohibited toxic herbicide, from sesame seed production across Nigeria. This decisive action comes in response to serious warnings from international buyers who threatened to stop purchasing Nigerian sesame due to repeated discoveries of dangerous chemical contamination.
International Buyers Issue Stern Warnings
Foreign importers have raised serious concerns about the safety of Nigerian sesame shipments. The Japan Oil & Fat Importers & Exporters Association (JOFIEA) and Japanese regulatory authorities have sent multiple alerts about finding paraquat residues in consignments from Nigeria.
Similar contamination reports have emerged through the European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF). The system also highlighted recurring cases of Salmonella contamination in Nigerian sesame exports destined for several European countries, including Greece, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Spain, and Belgium.
NEPC's Immediate Response Strategy
In reaction to these critical export market threats, NEPC's Product Development Department organized a comprehensive Sensitization and Awareness Programme during the weekend of November 10, 2025. The event took place at the NULGE House Conference Hall in Jalingo, Taraba State, bringing together key stakeholders from across the agricultural sector.
The program focused on educating participants about essential standards including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Handling Practices (GHP), Good Storage Practices (GSP), and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS).
Stakeholders Unite for Export Survival
Multiple government agencies and industry representatives participated in the crucial meeting. Attendees included officials from NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria.
Also present were representatives from the Taraba State Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, traditional rulers, farmers' groups, and media organizations, demonstrating the widespread concern about protecting Nigeria's export markets.
Director of Product Development Macphetson Fred-Ileogben, represented by the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, emphasized the critical nature of the situation. "The future of our sesame export market depends on strict adherence to international standards", he stated. "We must work together to ensure Nigerian sesame remains competitive and safe for consumers worldwide."
Grassroots Engagement in Affected Communities
As part of their comprehensive campaign, the NEPC team visited traditional rulers in key sesame-producing areas where paraquat, locally known as "Sharp Sharp," remains commonly used. The council met with the Galadima of Muri and the village head of Sunkani in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.
These traditional leaders pledged their full support for the sensitization efforts and promised to encourage local farmers to adopt recommended agricultural practices that eliminate dangerous chemicals from the production process.
The NEPC has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria's export markets and promoting safe, sustainable agricultural production methods that meet international safety standards and maintain the country's reputation as a reliable trading partner.
