Abuja, Nigeria 25th June, 2024 – Nigeria marked the successful implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ePhyto Solution at an official ceremony held in Abuja on June 25, 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in collaboration with the Alliance and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), and implemented by GIZ, represents a significant advancementin streamlining Nigerian agricultural trade. A second event dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of ePhyto among local businesses will be held on June 27, 2024, in Lagos, the economic capital.
The ePhyto Solution facilitates the exchange of electronic phytosanitary certificates, or ePhytos, with international trading partners. This digital system eliminates paper-based documentation:
- Reducing Costs and Processing Times: Exporters save time and money by eliminating the need for travel and lengthy manual processing.
- Enhancing Food Security: Faster border clearance for agricultural products contributes to less food spoilage and improved food security.
- Strengthening Competitiveness: Electronic certification ensures greater accuracy and reduces the risks of error, loss or fraud, boosting national trade competitiveness.
The Alliance’s public-private partnership approach facilitated contributions from various stakeholders, includingNAQS, relevant government ministries like the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, private sector representatives and businesses.
The project also included comprehensive training for government officials and private sector stakeholders, installation of an ePayment and eSignature function, upgrading IT infrastructure, and strategic efforts to maximise private sector engagement. The project also encompassed extensive training for government officials and private sector stakeholders, the installation of ePayment and eSignature functions, IT infrastructure upgrades, and strategic initiatives to maximize private sector engagement.
NAQS is committed to maximising the system’s benefits and sustainability through NAQS is dedicated to maximizing the system’s benefits and ensuring its sustainability through a a multimedia information campaign to raise awareness among agri-food traders, promoting widespread adoption of the new digital procedures.
“By embracing digitalisation, Nigeria is taking a significant leap forward in simplifying agricultural trade, boosting exports, and ensuring food security. The Alliance is proud to be part of this journey,” Alliance Director Philippe Isler told attendees at the closing ceremony.
ENDS
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DSQ SM Tanto
Head Media, Communications and Strategies Unit.