The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has stepped up its campaign to eliminate paraquat—a highly toxic herbicide banned in several countries—from Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The initiative follows fresh warnings from international buyers about chemical contamination in Nigerian exports, especially sesame. Foreign importers have threatened to stop purchasing Nigerian sesame after recent shipments were found to contain excessive paraquat residues. The Japan Oil & Fat Importers & Exporters Association and Japanese authorities reported these findings, prompting the NEPC to act. Similar alerts were issued through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which highlighted repeated incidents of Salmonella and chemical contamination in sesame consignments bound for several European countries.
To address these concerns, the NEPC’s Product Development Department organized a sensitisation and awareness programme on Good Agricultural Practices, Good Handling Practices, Good Storage Practices, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards in Jalingo, Taraba State. The event gathered key stakeholders, including officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria, among others. Speaking at the forum, the NEPC Director of Product Development stressed the urgent need to eradicate paraquat use from the sesame value chain to protect Nigeria’s export reputation. He emphasized that strict adherence to international standards is essential for keeping Nigerian sesame competitive and safe for consumers worldwide.
As part of the awareness drive, the NEPC delegation paid courtesy visits to traditional leaders in two major sesame‑producing communities in Taraba State, areas reportedly known for paraquat use. The leaders pledged to support the council’s campaign by helping sensitize farmers and enforce compliance with safer agricultural practices. The NEPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s export markets and promoting sustainable, globally accepted agricultural production methods. By tackling paraquat use, the council aims to prevent potential bans on Nigerian sesame and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the crop.
Comments are closed for this story.