KANO – The Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS), Northwest Zone, says it has intercepted more than 20 exporters involved in attempts to ship adulterated and substandard commodities from January to date.
The Zonal Commander of FPIS, Northwest, Mr Obi Anthony-Ikechukwu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Kano.
He said the agency had significantly reduced incidents of commodity adulteration and illegal export practices since the establishment of the FPIS Northwest office in 2010.
He said: “Before the agency’s presence in the region, some exporters bypassed mandatory inspection procedures and transported commodities directly to seaports for export without quality checks, fumigation, or certification.
“Some exporters attempt to evade inspection by shipping their products directly to seaports without undergoing the required quality assessment and fumigation processes.
“With the establishment of FPIS in the Northwest, we have been able to reduce such practices to a minimal level, although efforts are ongoing to ensure full compliance with export regulations,” he said.
According to the zonal commander, the agency inspects export commodities, certifies product quality, verifies packaging standards, and ensures proper fumigation before shipment.
He added that FPIS also scrutinises export documentation to prevent under-declaration of commodity values and other forms of sharp practices aimed at circumventing government regulations.
“The agency recently intercepted consignments of unclean soybeans intended for export and compelled the owners to clean and reprocess the products before approval,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the adulteration of sesame seeds, where some exporters mix white sesame seeds with brown varieties in spite of their differing oil contents and market specifications.
“White sesame seeds contain about 50 per cent oil content, while brown sesame seeds contain about 30 per cent.
“Buyers order specific varieties and there should be no room for mixing. Exporters should package products separately rather than adulterating them.
“We have reduced the practice considerably and continue to monitor activities at Dawanau market and other export hubs,” he said.
Anthony-Ikechukwu disclosed that the agency had issued more than 20 certificates to companies engaged in direct shipment of commodities through containerised exports from Kano.
He said some exporters still fail to register their warehouses and comply with inspection requirements, often acting on misleading advice from third parties.
The zonal commander said the service had the legal authority to inspect warehouses, seize non-compliant commodities, and enforce export standards in line with national regulations.
“Many improperly documented consignments were often detained at ports in Lagos, leading to delays and financial losses for exporters.
“If exporters complete their documentation and inspection processes here, their consignments can move seamlessly through the export chain.
“We must ascertain the quality of every commodity, ensure proper fumigation, and issue certificates of inspection before shipment,” he said.
The commander said the growing interest in non-oil exports remained a positive development for Nigeria’s economy, noting that increased export activities would boost foreign exchange earnings and support the value of Naira.
Anthony-Ikechukwu advised exporters to work closely with FPIS officials to ensure compliance with export standards and avoid the rejection of Nigerian products in international markets.
“If poor-quality hibiscus flowers or other commodities are exported, it affects the reputation of all Nigerian exporters in that commodity line.
“We want exporters to come forward for quality assessment and fumigation so that only products that meet international standards leave the country.
“Together, we can project a positive image of Nigeria and strengthen the nation’s export sector,” he said. (NAN)
