NEPC Urges Oilseed Producers to Embrace Global Standards for Export Growth

By Yagana Ali Yola 

 Beneath the hum of quiet conversations and the rustle of notepads, stakeholders in Nigeria’s oilseeds and oleaginous fruits value chain gathered in Yola for a crucial conversation about the future of their industry—one increasingly tied to global markets and exacting international standards.

At the heart of the engagement was a clear message: to compete and thrive beyond Nigeria’s borders, producers must align with global best practices or risk being shut out of lucrative export opportunities.

The technical session, convened by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), focused on equipping farmers, processors, and exporters with the knowledge needed to tap into emerging trade opportunities under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Delivering the keynote on behalf of the NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, the Director of Product Development, Mr. MacPherson Fred, described the session’s theme—“Achieving Product Competitiveness with Zero Export Rejection under the CEPA”—as both urgent and strategic.

“In today’s global market, quality is not optional; it is the gateway,” he told participants, emphasizing that international buyers are increasingly prioritizing strict compliance with food safety and quality standards.

He explained that the CEPA, signed between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates in January 2026, represents a significant breakthrough for Nigerian exporters. The agreement opens doors for over 7,000 Nigerian products into the UAE market, with more than 2,800 agricultural goods granted immediate duty-free access.

For producers of oilseeds and related crops, the implications are far-reaching. Commodities such as groundnuts, sunflower seeds, cereals, vegetables, and even seafood are now better positioned to penetrate international markets.

Over time, reduced tariffs on machinery and industrial inputs are also expected to lower production costs and improve efficiency across the value chain.

Earlier in the session, the NEPC North-East Regional Coordinator, Anani Ben Egon, framed the workshop as part of a broader push to reposition Nigeria’s non-oil sector as a driver of economic growth.

“This is about more than exports,” Egon said. “It is about building capacity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring our producers can stand shoulder to shoulder with global competitors.”

He disclosed that the council has already begun working closely with farmer groups, including the Groundnut Farmers Association, to develop a model agro-export cluster in Adamawa State—an initiative aimed at improving coordination, scaling production, and ensuring compliance with export requirements.

Egon noted that Adamawa’s rich agricultural landscape, particularly its strength in groundnuts and other oilseeds, gives it a natural advantage. With the right support and adherence to best practices, he said, the state could emerge as a key export hub in Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

Adding the voice of producers, National President of the Sunflower Farmers Association, Jibrin Bukar, described the CEPA as a “game-changer” for sunflower farmers across the country.

He highlighted the promise of expanded market access, improved pricing, and incentives for higher quality production. “If we get it right,” Bukar said, “sunflower farming can move from subsistence to a major contributor to Nigeria’s export earnings.”

Government officials also signaled their readiness to support the transition. Representing the Adamawa State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Director of Commerce Ahmed Hamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policies that encourage agro-export development. These include investments in infrastructure, farmer education, and creating an enabling environment for agribusinesses to flourish.

Throughout the session, one theme remained constant: collaboration. Participants were encouraged to strengthen partnerships across the value chain—from farmers and processors to regulators and exporters—to ensure consistency, traceability, and compliance with global standards.

As the meeting drew to a close, the NEPC reassured stakeholders of its continued support through technical guidance, strategic partnerships, and market linkages. The goal, officials said, is not just to increase exports, but to ensure they are sustainable, competitive, and free from rejection in international markets.

For many in attendance, the message was both a challenge and an opportunity—one that could redefine the future of agriculture in Adamawa and beyond.