WTO to boost export of Nigeria Agricultural, health products

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

Director General (DG), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has stressed the need to assist Nigerian farmers in producing agricultural products that would have seamless market access overseas adding that there is urgent need for diversification.
She said this could be greatly enhanced by exporting various goods sequel to the growing concern over Nigeria’s agricultural exports being repeatedly rejected, particularly by the EU.
Dr Iweala who stated this on Monday in Abuja shortly after she and her team members arrived said this requirement could be greatly enhanced by exporting various goods related to trade, health, and agriculture.
The WTO DG further said their goal of visiting is to improve market access for the nation’s exports of agricultural and health products adding that Nigeria is set to establish the Standards Trade Development Facility (STDF), which will unite governmental and private sector players.
She said “technical assistance and capacity building support are to be provided by the World Trade Organisation and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
“These are hard times, and we are here to see what we can do to diversify Nigeria economy through export. It is fantastic to be back home towards the STDF programme with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to see what we can do to diversify the economy through export in order for the country to move forward with the tough times.”
“To promote sustainable economic growth, the fight against poverty, and food security, the objective is to establish long-lasting SPS capacity in emerging nations.
“International sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) criteria, as stated in the WTO’s SPS Agreement, are supported by the STDF for developing nations. Agri-food markets require exporters to adhere to strict guidelines for the health of animals, plants, and food”.
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