Fruit importers must comply with standards – NAQS
The Comptroller General, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe, has emphasized that Nigeria cannot continue to be a dumping ground for all sorts of fruit products, stressing that the nation must not engage in actions that amount to self-sabotage or the creation of unnecessary barriers to legitimate trade. He therefore warned that importers must comply with set standards and regulations.
The NAQS Comptroller General stated this in his remarks at a high level meeting with fruit importers and other regulatory agencies at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja-Lagos.
The meeting, convened by the NAQS, was aimed at strengthening collaboration, promoting regulatory compliance, and ensuring safe and sustainable fruit importation into Nigeria.
Isegbe, in attendance, reaffirmed NAQS’ statutory mandate as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) and underscored the Service’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural economy while facilitating compliant trade.
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Speaking at the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring seamless trade facilitation, border security, and compliance with import regulations.
Represented by the Customs Area Comptroller, Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command, GA Otunla, the Comptroller General of Customs reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s support for NAQS in enforcing standards that protect national interests.
The representative of Barrister Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Omanayin Femi, Assistant Director, Operations, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting NAQS operations. He emphasized the critical role of NAQS activities in maintaining sanitary and phytosanitary standards and enhancing Nigeria’s credibility in international trade.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a communiqué was signed between the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service and the Association of Fruit Importers in Nigeria, signifying a shared commitment to compliance, collaboration, and the promotion of safe fruit importation practices.
