Previous Next

WTO promises to prevent illegal fishing in Nigerian waters

The Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala yesterday said once the fisheries subsidies agreement comes into force, it will help prevent illegal fishing of the Nigerian waters.

The DG disclosed this at the launch of the WTO Standard Trade Development Facility (STDF) project in Abuja, applauding Nigeria for being the first country to ratify the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, stating that the country's Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements ensure traded goods meet certain quality standards globally.

She said: "One of the key projects we are launching today with STDF, ITC, and the NEPC, is a project that will help with international safety and quality certification for sesame and cowpeas or black-eyed peas. Nigeria is on the move with WTO, we should work hard to ensure that these projects empower ordinary people and make a difference in their lives.

"Nigeria is the world's largest producer and consumer of cowpeas. Sesame is primarily an export crop, and Nigeria is the world's fourth leading producer, exporting to the EU, Türkiye, Japan, South Korea and other Asian markets. However, Nigerian cowpea and sesame exports have increasingly faced rejections in several destination markets due to non-compliance with international SPS requirements.

"Let me also mention and commend both the ITC and the Ministry of Trade and Investment for the new trade intelligence service that is being developed. This will include both a Trade Intelligence Unit – that will provide information services to the business community and the government, as well as a Trade Intelligence Portal that will provide information on trade statistics, tariffs, business regulations, market prices and importers, and the evolving trends for specific products in the international market."

Also speaking, Executive Director, CEO Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni said the purpose of this gathering is to improve standard and quality of Nigerian agricultural produce and for enhanced trade. The project could not have come at a better time than now as it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth and diversification through non-oil exports.

In 2016, Nigeria partnered with WTO to deliver STDF 172 for Shea butter. The effort led to the establishment of effective free fatty acid (FFA) and impurities control system for Shea butter and model Processing Centers in Niger, Kebbi, Oyo and Kwara states. This has led to significant increase in the production and quality of shea butter which has in turn led to job creation, improved standard of living and wealth creation especially among the youths and women making way for inclusiveness and sustainability.