The Federal Government has inaugurated an Interministerial Committee on the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) as part of efforts to curb losses associated with the rejection of agricultural exports, strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural biosecurity system and boost non-oil exports.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to building an efficient, internationally compliant agricultural quarantine system that is capable of protecting Nigeria’s agricultural resources while enhancing the country’s access to regional and global markets.
According to Odoh, Nigeria can no longer afford the losses associated with the rejection of agricultural exports due to non-compliance with international standards.
“The establishment of the Inter-ministerial Committee demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen policy coordination, eliminate institutional bottlenecks, harmonise regulatory processes, and align Nigeria’s agricultural quarantine system with global best practices,” she said.
Odoh urged members of the Committee to approach the assignment with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong sense of national responsibility, stressing that the Committee’s recommendations will strengthen Nigeria’s biosecurity framework improve agricultural trade and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
