The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address irregularities in the nation’s food export system while unlocking the healthcare value chain for effective transformation.

This strategic move results from a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aimed at bolstering President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, hosted the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Pate, alongside the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye. The high-level meeting sought to resolve longstanding issues affecting food exports and healthcare sector development.

Dr Pate emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting the cross-cutting nature of the issues at hand.

“This meeting brings together two sectors that are not traditionally aligned but are crucial for our national progress. The focus areas include improving the regulation of food exports, enhancing the role of NAFDAC in trade facilitation, and unlocking the healthcare value chain,” Pate stated.

He further underscored the lingering challenges that required urgent attention, adding, “We are determined to support Mr President’s vision for transforming Nigeria by ensuring our efforts lead to long-term achievements in these critical areas.”

Dr Oduwole affirmed the ministry’s readiness to address these issues through actionable reforms. She revealed plans to begin work on resolving policy bottlenecks, including the production of medical devices and syringes domestically.

“We have reviewed the draft policy on manufacturing syringes and needles in Nigeria and will identify areas needing resolution,” Oduwole explained.

“These are key aspects of the president’s eight-point agenda, and they require meticulous attention.”

NAFDAC’s Director-General, highlighted the importance of mindset change among Nigerian exporters.

“Rejection of our goods abroad often stems from lapses in regulatory compliance. By ensuring strict adherence to standards, we can avoid such embarrassments and bolster our trade reputation,” she said.

Technical Aide to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Temiloluwa Oluokun, pointed out challenges with regulatory reforms, including the denomination of permit fees in foreign currency.

“Shifting all fees to the local currency will shield exporters from exchange rate volatility,” he suggested, emphasising the need for a revised export regulation framework.

Additionally, Director of the Federal Produce Inspectorate Service, Dafang Sule, appealed for assistance from the health ministry to train officers in pesticide residue management, particularly in sesame seed exports.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a dedicated team to address the identified challenges comprehensively. The team is to reconvene soon to finalise resolutions and implement strategies for reform.