The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has decried the increasing rejection of Nigeria’s agro-products by other countries as its volume of shipment swelled to N23.43 trillon in 18 months.
It noted that the rejection was having negative effects on the country’s economy despite 44 per cent increase in exports at Lagos Port terminals. Some of the country’s annual agricultural exports are cocoa beans, cashew nuts, oilseed, grain, soya beans and fruits to countries in Europe, America and Asia.
Between January 2023 and June 2024, Nigerian ports have processed 226,456 containers (Twenty Equivalent Units) of export cargoes valued at N23. 43 trillion.
No fewer than 6,717 containers of agricultural produce valued at N433 billion ($288.8 million) have been processed for export between January and June 2024.
It was revealed total containers processed in first quarter of the year surged by 44 per cent to reach 5,891(20ft and 40ft) containers as against 3,784 (20ft and 40ft) containers processed in first quarter of 2023.
In the period, the country recorded 31 per cent growth in exports, when compared with the 156, 790 containers recorded in 2022 in the ports. Statistics obtained from Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) indicated that in the last five years, the country exported 1.72 million TEUs of goods between January 2018 and December 2023.
However, the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Pius Ukeyima, has entertained the fear over massive rejection of agricultural products from Nigeria in the global market.
He noted at a one day stakeholder enlightenment workshop on proper packaging system in Makurdi that the rejection of the products was sequel to lack of proper packaging by exporters.
According to him, until the exporters have a change of heart and imbibe proper packaging system in compliance with international standards, success would not be achieved.
He said: “Look at Benue which is rich in natural resources and agricultural potential with a variety of products that have significant export potential, but most of the products go to waste due to ignorance about proper packaging.
“But if the rich agricultural produce, including yam, cassava, rice and the vast array of livestock are well packaged, then we can boldly say Benue is poised to become a vital player in Nigeria’s export landscape.
“Therefore, to fully harness this potential, we must confront the challenges that hinder our success, which include packaging. Packaging is much more than a means of wrapping products; it is a critical element in the export process.”
He explained that effective pack – aging protected the integrity of goods and compliance with international standards, adding that it would enhance marketability for economic development.
The executive secretary added that most exporters in Nigeria had failed to understand the tricks of boosting their businesses and the nation’s economy, noting that the right packaging could make a lot of difference, influencing a buyer’s decision and elevating the country’s products in foreign markets.
He urged exporters to comply with international standards such as packaging regulations specific to the target markets since different countries have varied requirements for safety, labelling, and materials used for packaging.
As exporters, Akutah said that they must ensure that the products they export comply with the regulations to avoid costly rejections and delays. He noted: “Again, use ecofriendly materials for agro products which meets regulatory demands in many regions and also strengthens brand image.
As exporters, you can use prototype and test packaging that can help in identifying potential issues with durability, aesthetics, and functionality, allowing for refinement before export.”
Also, the Benue Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Manasseh Orpin said that the state had the capacity to feed the whole country, if its agricultural resources were harnessed, advising exporters to stop cutting corners by not bypassing standards.
He said that a product would surely be rejected, even if it is well processed but not well packaged.