NEPC intensifies crackdown on banned paraquat use in sesame production
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has stepped up its campaign against the use of paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide banned in several countries
The move came as a result of fresh warnings from international buyers over chemical contamination in Nigerian exports.
The renewed drive, DAILY POST learned is in response to threats by foreign importers to halt purchases of Nigerian sesame after the Japan Oil & Fat Importers & Exporters Association, JOFIEA, and Japanese authorities reported excessive paraquat residues in recent shipments.
Similar alerts were also said to have have been issued through the European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, RASFF, which flagged repeated incidents of Salmonella and chemical contamination in sesame consignments destined for Greece, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Spain, and Belgium.
In a bid to address the growing concerns, the NEPC’s Product Development Department, during the weekend organized a Sensitization ans Awareness Programme on Good Agricultural Practices, GAP, Good Handling Practices, GHP, Good Storage Practices, GSP, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards, SPS, in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Held at the NULGE House Conference Hall, Jalingo, Taraba State, the event brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria ,SON, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, and the National Sesame Seed Association of Nigeria, NSSAN.
Representatives from the State Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce, traditional rulers, farmers’ groups, and the media were also noticed to be in attendance.
Speaking at the forum, the NEPC Director of Product Development, Macphetson Fred-Ileogben represented by the Executive Director/CEO of the council underscored the urgent need to eliminate paraquat use from the sesame value chain to safeguard Nigeria’s export reputation.
“The future of our sesame export market depends on strict adherence to international standards. We must work together to ensure Nigerian sesame remains competitive and safe for consumers worldwide,” he said.
As part of the awareness drive, the NEPC delegation paid courtesy visits to the Galadima of Muri and the village head of Sunkani in Ardo Kola Local Government Area,aA two major sesame-producing communities in Taraba State reportedly known for paraquat use, locally called “Sharp Sharp.”
Both traditional leaders pledged to support the council’s campaign by helping sensitize farmers and enforce compliance with safer agricultural practices.
The NEPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s export markets and promoting sustainable, globally accepted agricultural production methods.