Earlier this week, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) received Mr. Wester Schepers, Representative of COLEAD (Committee Linking Entrepreneurship Agriculture Development), who visited the Agency to review the recently concluded training support on the organization and implementation of the protocols.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss capacity building areas that could further strengthen NAQS’ operational efficiency.
Mr. Schepers conveyed the trainers’ positive feedback on the enthusiasm, engagement, and discipline demonstrated by NAQS officers during the training sessions. He commended the Agency for the effective coordination of the programme, noting that such commitment reflects NAQS’ readiness to apply the knowledge gained and deepen its technical competencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller General, the PSO expressed appreciation for COLEAD’s consistent support. He highlighted the CG’s leadership philosophy, which prioritizes internal self-regulation as the foundation for effective enforcement.
He further retreated that capacity building remains central to the CG’s agenda, particularly in strengthening the leafy vegetable export value chain. He also noted that NAQS has already begun implementing key lessons from the sessions, with tangible improvements observed in field application and procedural oversight.
In response, Mr. Schepers reaffirmed COLEAD’s readiness to continue supporting NAQS, welcoming the Agency’s proposed onboarding of the EU TRACES platform to enhance coordination of EU bound export commodities.
Before departing, he extended an invitation to NAQS to participate in a three-day workshop on Ginger Good Agricultural Practices alongside other capacity building organizations an opportunity for NAQS to further broaden collaboration and technical engagement.
