WTO Launches $1.2 Million Facility To Improve Nigerian Food Safety [VIDEO]

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a $1.25 million initiative to raise the export requirements for Nigerian products made from cowpeas and sesame.

An initiative to improve food safety and other issues was launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Nigeria with a $1.2 million Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF).

The initiatives, according to WTO General Director Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, were designed to address instances where Nigerian goods were turned down on foreign markets.

The international program aims to promote best practices in developing nations to improve food safety as well as the health of plants and animals.

WTO Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated in a speech yesterday that Nigeria has enormous potential for the production and export of sesame and cowpea, but that the rejection of both crops on the global market continues to be a major obstacle because of inadequate storage and transportation of agricultural products.

Producing more than 5.2 million metric tons of dried cowpea annually, the most populous black nation ranks third in Africa for sesame production, with an estimated 500 metric tonnes produced in 2022.

The facility, in Okonjo-Iweala's words, will enable Nigerian farmers to create agricultural goods that are up to export requirements.

The head of the WTO earlier led her delegation to discussions with the federal government about promoting economic diversification through increased exports.

First on the list is the opening of the facility, which will bring together public and private sector players and enhance market access for the country's agricultural exports and health products.

She made the following observation: “These are hard times, and we are here to see what we can do to diversify Nigeria's economy through export. It is fantastic to be back home towards the STDF programme with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to see what we can do to diversify the economy through exports for the country to move forward.”

The WTO and International Trade Centre (ITC) will offer technical assistance and capacity building support for the facility to foster sustainable economic growth and food security, according to a statement issued by Henry David, the director of press and public relations for the ministry.

Watch the clip below: 

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