The Federal Government has indicated plans to implement policies that can harness traceability technology to improve the quality and sustainability of the agric-commodity sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Mr Nura Rimi, made this known at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation traceability technology workshop on Thursday in Lagos.
The theme of the workshop was, “Adoption and Implementation of Traceability Technology in the Agricultural Commodities Production and Export Value Chain.”
Traceability technology enables tracking food products throughout the supply chain, from farm to consumer, using various methods.
They include QR codes, RFID tags, blockchain and sensor technologies to ensure food safety, quality and transparency.
Rimi was represented by Assistant Director, Commodities, FMITI, Charles Nwachinemere.
He said that by implementing a robust traceability system, Nigeria could decisively create an environment where Nigerian farmers, processors, marketers, and exporters could thrive in the competitive global marketplace.
According to the permanent secretary, traceability systems are rapidly becoming the gold standard in ensuring quality, transparency, and accountability within supply chains.
He said that countries like the United States of America and those within the European Union had already mandated traceability frameworks to enhance food safety and quality.
Rimi said that adopting the system aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy and securing a competitive edge on the global stage.
“This workshop marks a pivotal step in fostering understanding and collaboration to realise the immense potential of a national traceability system.
“This innovative system promises to revolutionise the agricultural commodities value chain, unlocking access to international markets and significantly boosting revenue generation for Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, particularly its rich array of agricultural commodities, position us as a global contender,” he said.
“He, however, said that challenges related to product quality, safety, and compliance with international standards had hindered market access.
Rimi said that the ministry remained steadfast in its mission to drive industrial growth, foster trade relations and attract investments.
He said that traceability technology represented a cornerstone of this strategy, as it builds trust and enhances product credibility.
The permanent secretary said that the it also ensured compliance with international standards which are the key factors for unlocking the potential of our agricultural exports.
He said that the country remained united in its resolve to elevate agricultural commodities to the highest standards of global excellence.
The permanent secretary expressed confidence that through collective efforts, the country would make lasting strides in enhancing the nation’s prosperity and development.
The statement State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said that he workshop would bring awareness to the people and create value addition.
Ambrose-Medebem,who was represented by Director, Agribusiness Support Unit, Mrs Muminat Osefa, said that traceability technology adoption would further make Nigeria a better place and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“When we are talking about traceability, it means if you buy anything in the market, for example in the open market or in the supermarkets, you can trace it to the producer or manufacturer.
“That is what they do all over the world. So Nigeria should not e an exception,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem said that in the last three years, the state had been trying to make traceability technology of agric-commodity happen.
She said that with the workshop, the state government, through the ministry, would now act promptly.
NAN
