The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has secured the approval from the Codex Alimentarius Commission to establish a new global standard for root and tuber flours, marking Nigeria’s non-oil export drive. 

Representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland, SON successfully presented a New Work Proposal to develop a unified group standard for sweet potato and yam flours, receiving widespread acclaim from government ministries and global food sector actors.

The successful standardisation proposal has attracted high praise from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI). 

Congratulating the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the achievement as a monumental victory that demonstrates Nigeria’s expanding technical leadership in global trade policy. 

Dr Oduwole celebrated SON’s technical competence, noting that the international framework directly supports the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda by improving product quality, expanding export market access, and increasing the global competitiveness of Nigerian food products.

According to an official statement by SON, the proposed international Codex standard will strengthen global consumer health protection, improve domestic regulatory systems, facilitate fair practices in international food trade, and significantly reduce post-harvest losses. 

The commission observed that roots and tubers, including yams, cassava, and sweet potatoes, remain staple foods for millions of people worldwide. 

These commodities are increasingly gaining commercial relevance because of a growing global demand for high-quality, gluten-free alternatives, making the absence of an international standard a major barrier to trade.

Reacting to the development, the President of the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria, Professor Charles Adetunji, lauded the approval as an important contribution to global food safety and science-based international standard-setting. 

On his part, the Chairman of the Gambia Standards Bureau, Dr Ernest Aubee, congratulated Nigeria and SON, expressing confidence that the country would continue to provide strong leadership in the development of global food safety standards. 

Members of the Nigeria National Codex Committee added that the breakthrough provides a timely intervention that will open up fresh export markets, enabling local farmers and processors to export certified flours to high-value markets without trade restrictions.

Source: Tribune Online
Image Credit: FAO