The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) on Monday condemned the increasing rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports by other countries and its adverse impact on the Nigerian economy.
NSC Executive Director, Pius Ukeyima stated this in a keynote address at a one-day workshop to educate stakeholders on proper packaging systems in Makurdi.
Ukejima said the rejection of products was a result of lack of proper packaging by exporters.
According to him, success would only be ,achieved if exporters change their mind and adopt proper packaging systems in line with international standards.
“Look at Benue, which is rich in natural resources and agricultural potential with a variety of products that have significant export potential, but most of the products go to waste due to ignorance about proper packaging.
“But if the rich agricultural produce, including yam, cassava, rice and the vast array of livestock, are well packaged, then we can boldly say Benue is poised to become a vital player in Nigeria’s export landscape.
“Therefore, 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”, Ukejima said.
He further explained that effective packaging protects the integrity of goods and their compliance with international standards, improving marketability for economic development.
The Director-General regretted that most Nigerian exporters do not understand the tricks they can use to boost their businesses and the country’s economy.
“The right packaging can make a lot of difference, influencing a buyer’s decision and elevating our products’ appeal in foreign markets,” he said.
He called on participants to adhere to international standards, such as target market-specific packaging regulations, as different countries have different requirements for safety, labeling and packaging materials.
“As exporters, you must ensure that the products you export comply with these regulations to avoid costly rejections and delays.
“Again, use eco-friendly materials for agro products that meet regulatory demands in many regions and strengthen the brand image.
“As exporters, you can use prototype and test packaging that can help in identifying potential issues with durability, aesthetics, and functionality, allowing for refinement before export,” he said.
Also, the Benue commissioner for trade and investment, Manasseh the Benue commissioner for trade and investment, Manasseh Orpin, said agricultural resources are capable of feeding the entire country if harnessed.
Orpin, advised exporters to stop skimping on quality by ignoring standards as even if the product is well made, it will certainly be rejected if not properly packaged.
Two papers were presented: “The role of government agencies in non-oil exports and proper packaging system: an essential tool for agro-export”
Participants came from the Nigerian Export Council, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service and the Agricultural Mechanization Union.
