The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has started the electronic issue of
phytosanitary certificates to exporters in order to address the challenges facing the
sector and expedite the process while maintaining the quality of Nigerian agricultural
produce intended for sale to foreign nations.
An official document issued by countries to verify that shipments of plants or agricultural
products traded abroad are safe to import because they are free of pests and illnesses is
known as a phytosanitary certificate.
Prior to now, other nations had complained that Nigerian farm products were shipped to
countries where pests were present, despite the fact that the lengthy process of obtaining a
Phyto certificate from the NAQS for exporters degraded the quality of the produce by the
time it reached the country of consumption.
The IPPC GeNS E-Phyto platform, which exporters can use to fill out the necessary
information about the produce they are exporting and schedule an inspection appointment
with NAQS, was officially launched in Lagos. Experts in attendance noted that this
development is also anticipated to increase government revenue from the agricultural sector.
At the session, Bernard Tayor, a representative of the Alliance for Trade Facilitation, spoke
about the Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS) in Nigeria. He emphasized that switching
from traditional paper-based certificates to digital ones is a step toward modernization,
efficiency, and sustainability.
Tayor stated that after resolving numerous grievances from other nations regarding
agricultural products shipped from Nigeria, this shift is pertinent.
He states, “Today’s equipment handover and demonstration symbolizes a commitment to
transparency, efficiency, and the facilitation of trade—it symbolizes more than just a
technological upgrade.” It is an example of our joint commitment to making sure that Nigerian
agricultural exports are competitive worldwide and fulfill international standards after
processing costs and time are reduced.
Speaking about their partnership with NAQS, he expressed the pride that the Global Alliance
for Trade Facilitation felt in working together to “equip Nigeria with the tools and knowledge
necessary to enhance its trade competitiveness, strengthen its economic resilience, and
safeguard its agricultural sector.”
He emphasized that the digitalization of phytosanitary certificates will simplify procedures,
cut down on paperwork, minimize mistakes, and improve agricultural product traceability. It
will also likely facilitate business transactions and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a
trustworthy trading partner internationally.
He said, “Together, we are changing the landscape of international trade facilitation by
creating a more resilient, efficient, and transparent trade ecosystem.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Joy Ivbade, the Zonal Coordinator of the South-West Zonal
Command, NAQS, also praised the World Economic Forum, GIZ, and the Islamic Centre for
Development of Trade (ICDT) for helping NAQS obtain the devices required to keep the
The GeNS platform operating smoothly.
“I would also like to recognize the role of Global Alliance, who coordinated several meetings
between the NAQS and other stakeholders, guiding through the business process analysis
and training in using and managing the GeNS,” said Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Comptroller
General of the NAQS, in his speech.
