EXPORT PRODUCE (FEDERAL POWERS) ACT
Act · Trade
An Act gives the Federal Government power to regulate the export of agricultural produce, including grading and certification. It targets federal agencies and exporters of items like cocoa and groundnuts. This maintains uniformity in exports and protects Nigeria's reputation as a reliable supplier.
EXPORT PRODUCE (FEDERAL POWERS) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act vesting in the Federal Government the power to regulate the export of agricultural produce from Nigeria, including the grading, marking, and certification of produce intended for export.
Who Does It Target?
Federal agencies regulating agricultural exports State marketing boards and commodity traders Agricultural exporters of cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil, and other produce Standards Organisation of Nigeria
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure uniformity and quality in Nigerian agricultural exports, protect Nigeria's reputation as a reliable commodity supplier, and enable the Federal Government to enforce export standards across all states.
Key Features
Federal Regulatory Power: Vests in the Federal Government exclusive power to regulate the quality and standards of agricultural exports. Grading and Marking: Empowers the Federal Government to prescribe grades, marks, and certificates for export produce. Enforcement: Federal inspectors may inspect, certify, and if necessary condemn produce that does not meet export standards. Coordination: Enables coordination between federal and state agencies on agricultural export standards.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide agricultural export sector Beneficiaries: Agricultural exporters; Nigeria's export reputation; importing countries Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Exporters must obtain federal certification before shipment of regulated produce Produce must be inspected at designated export points Non-compliant produce may be rejected or condemned Application method: Apply for export certification through the relevant federal agricultural export agency.
Important Terms
Exporting uncertified produce is an offence Federal standards override conflicting state standards in export matters Penalties include fines and prohibition from future exports
Official Resources
Website: https://www.fmard.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Export Produce (Federal Powers) Act (Cap E24 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Act, the Produce Inspection Act, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act 2015, and the Agriculture (Control of Importation) Act. Aligns with Codex Alimentarius quality standards, WTO SPS Agreement requirements, and ECOWAS provisions on agricultural trade.