NSC boss, Ukeyima laments export rejection of Nigeria agro products in global market

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Pius Ukeyima, on Monday, lamented how a lot of Made-in-Nigeria agro products were rejected in the global market due to improper and low packaging and labeling.

He further said that Nigeria products are increasingly suffering and facing outright rejection as a result of lack of proper packaging by exporters.

Ukeyima stated this during a one day stakeholders enlightenment workshop on proper packaging system for exportable products held in Makurdi.

The Executive Director said the international market which is competitive in nature only welcomes products of high quality with relevant certifications and quality packaging that is environmentally friendly, saying that proper packaging system was an essential too for successful agro export.

“Benue is rich in natural resources and agricultural potential, boasting a variety of products that have significant export potential, but most of the products go to waste due to ignorance about proper packaging.

“From its rich agricultural produce, including yam, cassava, and rice, to its vast array of livestock, Benue is poised to become a vital player in Nigeria’s export landscape.

“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”, Ukeyima explained.

“Effective packaging protects the integrity of goods, ensures compliance with international standards, and enhances marketability. However, most exporters in Nigeria failed to understand this.

 The Nigerian Shippers Council boss noted that packaging can make a world of difference, influencing a buyer’s decision and elevating one country’s products and attracting foreign markets.

He enjoined  participants at the  workshop to ensure strictly comply with international Standards such as packaging regulations specific to the target markets.

He added  that different countries had varied requirements for safety, labelling, and materials used for packaging which Nigeria exporters must strive to meet theirs.

“As exporters, we must ensure that the products we export comply with these regulations to avoid costly rejections and delays.

 “We must be ready to use eco-friendly materials for agro products which meet regulatory demands in many regions and also strengthens brand image.

“I therefore advise agro exporters to prototype and test packaging so as to  help identify potential issues with durability, aesthetics, and functionality allowing for refinement before export”, he stated.

In his address, Benue State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Manasseh Orpin said that Benue has the capacity to feed the whole country if the state agricultural resources were harnessed.

Orpin advised exporters to stop cutting corners by bypassing standards, saying that a product would surely be rejected even if it was well processed but not well packaged.