The World Trade Organization has launched a project of an initial $1.2 million aimed at building the capacities of stakeholders across the sesame and cowpeas value chains.
The Director General of the world Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala disclosed this at the 3rd National Conference on Non-oil Export 2024 organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in Abuja.
Okonjo-Iweala who joined virtual said the aim of the project is to halt border rejections of cow peas and sesame and to better understand market access requirements in improving agricultural practices such as pesticide application, hygiene techniques, harvest and post harvest methods and food safety.
“Nigeria is the world’s largest producer and consumer of cow peas and the world’s fourth leading producer of sesame however, Nigerian cow pea and sesame exports have faced border rejections in several destination markets due to non compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary requirements”. She stated.
“Nigeria has immense potential in diversifying its export phase, particularly through non oil exports, leveraging this potential is essential not only for Nigeria’s economy, but for fostering greater economic resilience and opportunity across the continent and beyond.”
“I must commend the NEPC for being a force in advancing this agenda, actively supporting the development of Nigeria’s non oil export sector, they are working to empower Nigerian businesses, including many micro, medium and small enterprises, to expand their reach, strengthen their competitiveness, and contribute to the nation’s economic development.” The WTO boss commended.
“One of the NEPC’s standout initiatives has been a support for women entrepreneurs, women play a critical role in driving inclusive growth, especially in trade sectors like agriculture, textile and services, where many of Nigeria’s talented women lead as business owners and innovators.”
“By equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools, training and access to markets they need, the NEPC can strengthen the economy through this diversification at the WTO, we share this commitment to enabling all people, including women, to benefit from international trade.”
“Earlier this year, we also launched a program in agriculture with our affiliated agencies, the International Trade Center and the Standards and Trade Development Facility, s working together with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the agriculture sector in Nigeria has the potential to be a major driver of export diversification and job creation.” Okonjo-Iweala added.