Lagos State Government has commended ABX World Services for developing QR-Code Traceability Card to overcome challenges confronting the export of agro-allied products from Nigeria.
Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande gave the commendation when she hosted the Management of the agro-allied services company at the Ministry recently.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs AdetutuOsosanya, FCA, the Commissioner welcomed the proposed QR-Code Traceability Card for agro-allied entrepreneurs to eliminate the rejection of their products being exported, saying the Ministry is committed to working with the organisation to increase local export.
Her words: “Our Micro Small & Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs), particularly those in the agro-allied value chain, are facing challenges arising from the inability to trace the origin of their products leading to lack of access to foreign markets and loss of revenue. With the introduction of the QR-Code, such challenges will be addressed.
“We are in support of this in line with the standardisation of the exportation of commodities in Nigeria. We are embracing the idea, we will invite stakeholders to come on board and be part of it. We will also ensure that we prepare an up-to-date policy document for Mr. Governor’s consideration”, she started.
Akande assured that the Ministry will continue to support initiatives that will enhance the agro-export market in Nigeria and encourage other stakeholders to come on board with their ideas and suggestions, as the Ministry is committed to partnering with them to ensure that the nation takes its rightful place in the competitive global trade.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olurecognises the importance of the agro-export market to Nigeria’s economy and will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that it operates at the highest standard. The partnership with ABX World Agro-Allied Services is a step in the right direction and the Ministry is committed to supporting this initiative and others like it”, the Commissioner noted.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ABX World Agro-Allied Services, Captain John Okakpu explained that the programme will run under the All Farmers’ Code of Nigeria and it will provide opportunities for marketers to get grants from the Federal Government to support their entrepreneurs to market their products globally.
“We seek partnership with Lagos State Government, we also advocate for a better policy that will make farmers and marketers have easy access to finance and gain acceptance in the world markets”, he said.
According to him, the programme would not only help to enhance the agro-export market but also generate revenue for the Lagos State Government.
