The Federal Government has commended the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for securing international approval for a new standard on root and tuber flours, describing the achievement as a major milestone that will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports and global food trade competitiveness.
The commendation followed Nigeria’s successful proposal at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), where SON, representing the country, secured approval for a New Work Proposal to develop a Group Standard for Root (Sweet Potato) and Tuber (Yam) Flours.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, congratulated the Director-General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, describing the development as a landmark achievement that reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in international food standards development.
According to the minister, the feat demonstrates SON’s technical competence and strategic engagement in global standardisation processes, while supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through improved product quality, expanded market access and enhanced competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission noted that the proposed international standard would strengthen consumer health protection, improve regulatory systems, facilitate fair practices in international food trade and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Commission also observed that root and tuber crops, including yam, cassava and sweet potato, are staple foods for millions of people globally and are becoming increasingly important due to rising demand for gluten-free food products.
Stakeholders said the absence of an international Codex standard for the products had constrained trade opportunities, making Nigeria’s successful proposal a significant step towards expanding export markets for locally processed root and tuber products.
Members of the Nigeria National Codex Committee described the approval as a major national achievement and evidence of the country’s growing contribution to global food governance.
Similarly, the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) praised Nigeria, noting that the initiative would promote harmonised food standards across Africa, strengthen food control systems and expand regional and international market opportunities for root and tuber products.
President of the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Adetunji, also applauded the development, describing it as an important contribution to global food safety and science-based international standard-setting.
Chairman of the Gambia Standards Bureau, Dr. Ernest Aubee, congratulated Nigeria and SON, expressing confidence that the country would continue to provide leadership in the development of international food standards.
Analysts believe the approval places Nigeria in a stronger position to influence future global standards for indigenous agricultural commodities, while encouraging greater investment in processing, value addition and exports.
The Nigerian delegation to the Codex meeting was led by the Director-General of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke. Industry stakeholders said the approval is expected to boost exports of Nigerian-made root and tuber flour products by providing internationally recognised standards that will facilitate access to global markets.
(The Whistler)