We Banned Only Dried Beans, Not All Nigerian Agricultural Products - EU

The European Union has denied reports that it had banned Nigerian agricultural products from being exported to its nations. It said in contrast, that only dried beans were banned due to a high level content of pesticides which is dangerous to human health.

The Head of Trade and Economic Section of the EU delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Filippo Amato made this clarification in an email to THISDAY on Tuesday, adding that some other agricultural products had occasionally been rejected at the EU borders for similar reasons.

Mr. Amato lamented that the suspension measure adopted by the body in June 2015 had been wrongly reported and had created confusion and uncertainty for exporters who can continue to export to the EU as long as there is compliance with applicable food requirements.

He added that prior notice have been given to the Nigerian authorities before the suspension, which would last till June 2016 until substantial guarantees are provided that adequate official control systems have been put in place to ensure compliance with food law requirements.