NEPC and ITC Convene Sesame and Cowpea Industry Stakeholders to Tackle Global Market Compliance Issues
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), has organized a critical engagement with stakeholders in the sesame and cowpea industries. This initiative is focused on addressing the persistent challenges that hinder local agricultural products from meeting international market standards, particularly concerning sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance.
Addressing Export Quality and Rejection Concerns
The two-day workshop brought together key players from across the value chains to conduct a needs assessment and validate strategies for improving SPS compliance. This engagement is deemed essential to tackle issues that have led to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural produce, such as sesame and cowpea, in global markets. By fostering better coordination and communication, the NEPC aims to enhance the quality and acceptability of these exports.
Executive Director Nonye Ayeni Highlights Initiative Goals
Speaking at the event's opening, Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, emphasized that the workshop is designed to identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for synergy in managing SPS issues within the sesame and cowpea sectors. "This two-day event aims to pinpoint some of the gaps, overlaps, and areas for synergy in addressing SPS issues in the sesame and cowpea value chains," she stated.
Ayeni further explained that the initiative will develop an effective communication framework to raise awareness about SPS compliance. "We will also be identifying the most effective communication and information framework for raising awareness on SPS compliance issues as it pertains to these value chains," she added. She stressed that effective communication is crucial for improving compliance and ensuring stakeholders are well-informed about both local and international standards.
Record Non-Oil Export Achievements and Future Plans
Highlighting NEPC's role in promoting non-oil exports, Ayeni revealed that Nigeria achieved a historic non-oil export value of $6.1 billion in 2025, with a volume of 8.02 million metric tonnes. "Export volume also reached a record 8.02 million metric tonnes. We exported 281 products to 120 countries, including 11 ECOWAS countries and 32 African countries," she noted.
She also mentioned that NEPC has expanded its operations nationwide to support exporters and has facilitated international certifications for over 210 exporters in areas such as Halal, FDA, and ISO standards. The workshop is part of the STDF 845 initiative launched in 2024, with NEPC as the implementing agency, aimed at addressing compliance challenges in sesame and cowpea exports.
Collaboration with Regulatory Agencies and ITC
Ayeni commended the collaboration with agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), which has led to a significant reduction in export rejections. "Working with agencies such as SON, NAFDAC and NAQS, we have seen a drastic reduction in export rejection. The lessons learned from this project will be extended to other value chains," she said. She also praised the International Trade Centre for its ongoing partnership and support across various projects.
Program Structure and Historical Context
Macphersons Fred, the Director of Product Development at NEPC, provided details on the program's structure during a briefing with journalists. He explained that the engagement is a two-part initiative: a communication and awareness workshop for farmers and primary producers held from April 14 to 15, followed by an Export Quality Management training for exporters, aggregators, and other downstream actors from April 16 to 17.
Fred highlighted the necessity of this initiative due to longstanding challenges, such as the 2015 ban on cowpea exports to the European Union and issues with pesticide residue levels in sesame that have caused rejections at international borders. "You will recall that in 2015, there was a ban on cowpea export to the European Union. For sesame, we have issues with pesticide residue levels, which have led to export rejection at international borders," he noted.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Enhanced Export Capacity
The partnership between NEPC and ITC is focused on improving compliance and boosting Nigeria's export capacity for sesame and cowpea. By addressing both upstream and downstream actors in the value chain, this initiative aims to create a more efficient and inclusive communication strategy, ultimately reducing rejections and increasing Nigeria's presence in the global agricultural market.
